What began as a routine WNBA preseason matchup quickly turned into a heated showdown after Washington Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen forcefully shoved Indiana Fever veteran Sophie Cunningham to the ground.
With Caitlin Clark sitting out for precautionary reasons, the Mystics came out aggressive, building an early lead and playing a physical game. But everything changed in the second quarter when Iriafen’s flagrant foul on Cunningham sparked a fire in the Fever.
Cunningham didn’t back down. She got up, confronted the rookie, and made a bold statement—both with her words and her performance. She dropped 21 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and shot 6-for-11 from the field, leading her team in scoring and intensity.
“She’s a dog,” Fever head coach Stephanie White said. “She lifts everyone on the floor.”
Fueled by Cunningham’s toughness, Indiana clawed back from a double-digit deficit. Kelsey Mitchell caught fire, DeWanna Bonner provided veteran leadership, and the Fever forced overtime before ultimately securing a dramatic win.
The Mystics, however, exited without shaking hands—drawing criticism across social media for poor sportsmanship. Fans and former players called out the behavior, noting the lack of respect shown to a seasoned player like Cunningham.
Beyond the game, this moment symbolized a shift in the Fever’s culture. Last season, Indiana struggled with physical matchups, especially when Caitlin Clark faced tough defense. Now, with a tougher roster and a new attitude, the team is proving it won’t be pushed around.
Cunningham’s response to adversity sent a clear message to the rest of the league: Indiana is no longer a team that folds under pressure—they fight back and win.
