Cameras catch Sophie Cunningham’s altercation in Fever-Fire game

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Cameras catch Sophie Cunningham’s altercation in Fever-Fire game

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jun 3, 2026 12:50 PM ET

The Indiana Fever suffered their worst defeat of the season on Saturday night. They fell to 4-4 on the season after a 100-84 blowout loss to the Portland Fire. This marked Indiana’s second straight defeat after Thursday’s 90-88 loss to the Golden State Valkyries.

Sophie Cunningham was a bright spot for the Fever in the lopsided affair. The 6-foot-1 guard came off the bench for 15 points on 3-of-5 shooting and 7-of-8 from the charity stripe. Cunningham also added three rebounds, four assists, a steal and two triples in 26 minutes of action.

It was far from enough, though, as the Fire poured it on against the Fever at Moda Center. Caitlin Clark battled through with foul trouble throughout the contest, scoring a season-low six points in 22 minutes.

Injured Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) and guard Caitlin Clark (22) react from the bench during the first half of a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky.

Fever star Sophie Cunningham’s heated moment in blowout loss

There was no shortage of action in Saturday’s contest. Cunningham has established a reputation as a fiery player on the court, which is why it’s no surprise she was involved in one of the game’s most heated moments.

Cunningham got into it with Fire forward Emily Engstler in the fourth quarter. The Fever star appeared to have hit Engstler with her right hand as Cunningham attempted to dribble away from the Fire player. Engstler did not appreciate the gesture, which resulted in a heated on-court exchange between the two players.

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Cunningham and Engstler had to be separated by teammates as they argued at center court. The referees also got in the way and issued double technical fouls to both players for their altercation.

The game was pretty much over at that point, but Cunningham made it clear there was still a lot of fight left in the Fever despite the blowout.

Cunningham and Co. will look to snap their two-game losing streak in their next matchup. They return home to host Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday.

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

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