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The heat was shown a notch when the Indiana fever and Washington Mystics squared in this year’s first forth season match on Saturday.
At one point, Cunningham went up to a defensive rebound over the mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen. The veteran guard was thrown to the ground and entered the face of the former USC standout. Fever Guard Lexie Hull had to step in between the two players.
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Washington Mystics Emily Engstler (21), Indiana Fever Sophie Cunningham (8) and Washington Mystics Sonia Lemon (22) are fighting for a loose ball on Saturday, May 3, 2025, during a preseason game between Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith / Indystar / USA Today Network via Imag images)
Mysticism Morgan Jones put her arm around the Iriafen when 6-foot-3 turned her back from Cunningham and smiled. The Iriafen was hit by an obvious 1 error.
It wasn’t the only event during the game.
Cunningham was also held by Brittney Sykes as she tried to make herself available for a Dewanna Bonner pass. Sykes pushed Cunningham to the ground and was greeted with Bonner’s intensity.
Caitlin Clark deals with the leg problem in front of WNBA before-season
Indiana Fever Lexie Hull (10) is transferred to Indiana Fever Sophie Cunningham (8) on Saturday, May 3, 2025, during a Forsy season between Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith / Indystar / USA Today Network via Imag images)
“Sophie is a dawg,” said fever header Stephanie White via Indy Star. “She is a competitor. She is versatile. She gives us the opportunity to do different things. She plays with such toughness. She is huge and she will be for us all season.
“What she brings, from an energy point of view, she raises the level of games for everyone around her as soon as she steps her foot on the floor, hell, even on the sidelines. I mean, her communication, all she is definitely an X factor.”
Indiana won the game 79-74 in overtime.
The mystics that were made have had one of the worst items in WNBA last season, but made it clear in the forecast that they would not be pushed around by any team.
Indiana Fever Assistant coach Austin Kelly and Indiana Fever’s principal coach Stephanie White celebrate on Saturday, May 3, 2025, during a Forsy Season match between Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith / Indystar / USA Today Network via Imag images)
Washington’s season begins May 16 against the Atlanta Dream.
Indiana’s season begins May 17 against Chicago Sky.
