Sophie Cunningham Targeted in Heated Fever vs. Mystics Preseason Clash

A preseason face-off between the Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics sparked serious concerns over player safety and officiating bias in the WNBA. Veteran guard Sophie Cunningham endured multiple aggressive fouls, including a moment where she was “thrown to the floor,” prompting fans and analysts to question whether she was intentionally targeted.

Despite the physical toll, Cunningham showed resilience, dropping 12 points. “She played through it all,” one commentator noted. Meanwhile, the Fever struggled with turnovers and chemistry but saw bright moments from rookie Caitlin Clark, who exited early due to leg tightness, raising speculation around load management transparency.

Criticism has centered on officiating, with commentators saying the referees’ inconsistency “invited unnecessary aggression.” Concerns of bias have been amplified given the Fever’s rising profile, especially with Clark’s growing stardom.

The WNBA now faces rising pressure to ensure fairness and player protection. As the Fever prepare for their next game in sold-out Carver Arena, fans are watching not just the players—but the league’s response.