Fever star Sophie Cunningham does not hold back on WNBA’s punishment decision

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Fever star Sophie Cunningham does not hold back on WNBA’s punishment decision

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 6, 2026 12:24 PM ET

Game 2 between the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse saw the home team force a winner-take-all matchup. An incident between a fan and A’ja Wilson in the fourth quarter dominated headlines. Sophie Cunningham shared her thoughts about it, particularly the WNBA’s decision not to punish the four-time MVP.

Cunningham and her teammates traveled to Michelob ULTRA Arena on Thursday with momentum on their side. They won 99-89 two days earlier and pushed the defending champions to a must-win game. However, Indiana failed to advance to the next round, suffering a 94-83 loss that ended their season early.

Kelsey Mitchell led the way for the Fever with 23 points and two rebounds but only made 7-of-23 attempts. Caitlin Clark also struggled from the field, shooting 6-of-18. She finished with 18 points and four assists. Aliyah Boston shot the ball better with a 9-of-18 clip and registered 19 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Cunningham recorded five points and two assists.

Indiana Fever: Sophie Cunningham sounds off on A’ja Wilson not receiving a punishment

The WNBA did not hand Wilson a fine or suspension. The league reviewed the heated exchange but issued no punishment. Cunningham did not hold back with her comments about it.

“That could have caused her suspension, but she’s like the LeBron James of our league,” Cunningham said. “Of course they’re not going to suspend her. I’m not even going to get into that, but something should have happened there. The two people who came off the bench onto the court, that should have happened. I think there’s definitely a double standard.

“Of course we wanted her to play. I think that makes for good basketball. I’m not asking for that, and I don’t think it would have been if we would have won. She wouldn’t have been there. I don’t think it would have been fair. Like, I think we would have gotten a lot of backlash from that. But I think for someone pointing and saying that the foul was on you, grow up. I’m over it, girl.”

Sophie Cunningham on the A’ja Wilson finger pointing incident:

“That could have called for a suspension. But she’s like the Lebron James of our league so of course they’re not going to suspend her. There’s definitely a double standard.”

Spicy. https://t.co/GSpqsB2ChB

— Saoirse Mulrane (@SaoirseMulrane) October 3, 2026

Wilson spearheaded the Aces’ attack with 36 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. They will next face the Golden State Valkyries with homecourt disadvantage but still have their sights on winning their fourth championship in five years.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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