Sophie Cunningham didn’t hold back after enduring a physically intense debut for the Indiana Fever during Saturday’s preseason clash against the Washington Mystics. The veteran forward found herself at the center of two hard-hitting incidents—both drawing attention and a strong response.
Welcome to the Fever: Cunningham Body-Slammed by Rookie
In the second quarter, Cunningham was up for a loose ball against the Mystics' rookie Iriafen, who blasted her down to the hardcourt with a body slam. Later in the game, though, she was pushed again, this time by Washington's Brittany Sykes.
The second incident got Cunningham's teammate DeWanna Bonner in an uproar as she went over to defend her.
In the postgame interviews, Cunningham gave a nod to Bonner's support and talked about how FeeDerm is quickly becoming targeted this season.
"I might need to try and hit the weight room... that was not good," Cunningham joked. "But \[DeWanna] had my back and that’s what it’s all about. We have a huge target on our backs, I don’t think that’s a secret."
A Veteran Bond: Bonner Has Always Had Her Back
According to Cunningham, it didn't surprise her that Bonner stuck up for her, reminiscing about the two's past with the Phoenix Mercury. Bonner was a veteran mentor to her back in the day, always willing to step into tense situations.
That chemistry seemed to bode well again for the Fever as they stayed tight through some tough moments on the floor.
Stepping Up in Clark's Absence
With rookie sensation Caitlin Clark sitting out for several games due to a minor leg issue, Cunningham stepped up in a significant way. She led all scorers with 21 points, hitting 54.5% from the field and 33.3% from three, helping lead the team to a gritty 79-74 overtime win. The Mystics were led by Brittney Sykes and rookie Sonia Citron with 18 and 15 points.
Heated Exchange Caught on Camera
Despite being known for her composure, Cunningham had an unfiltered moment caught on video following the flagrant foul by Iriafen. As she got back to her feet, Cunningham unleashed some pointed words at the Mystics rookie.
"You don't motherf\ do that. You don't motherf\\\ do that,"\\ Cunningham was seen telling Iriafen, who appeared to smile in response.
Officials reviewed the play for excessive contact and ruled it a Flagrant 1 foul on Iriafen.
Rough Outing for Mystics Rookie
It was a tough day all around for Kiki Iriafen. The No. 4 overall pick in the WNBA Draft finished with 7 points, 4 fouls (including the Flagrant 1), and 4 turnovers. She managed just 28.6% shooting from the field in a frustrating debut.