ESPN Host Loved What Sophie Cunningham Did Tuesday Night

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 6:35 PM ET

Consider ESPN's Joe Fortenbaugh a big fan of what he saw from the Sophie Cunningham and the WNBA last night.

In a chippy game throughout that saw Caitlin Clark poked in the eye and knocked to the floor, the Fever's offseason addition did what fans didn't really see much of from Indiana's roster in 2024 — defend her superstar.

"Is it wrong for me to say that this was a hell of a lot of fun to watch? Cause I know we're supposed to be worried about 'sportsmanship,' but these two were going at it last night," Fortenbaugh said.

"I think that one of the best takeaways from all of this ... Finally we're seeing Clark's teammates step up and go after the people that are going after Clark," the radio host added. "That's what it felt like. ... It was pretty awesome."

"Finally we're seeing Caitlin Clark's teammates step up and go after the people who are going after Clark." @JoeFortenbaugh on what people are saying after Sophie Cunningham defended Clark

... And now Cunningham's jersey is sold out pic.twitter.com/Mf3h0a1x0w
— ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio) June 18, 2025

Others reacted to Fortenbaugh's comments online.

"Hell ya! Way to go Sophie!!!" a user exclaimed.

"No not people, Sophie Cunningham," another pointed out. "There is a lot of Fever players scared of that smoke. Good for Sophie wish some of these other players [were more like her as] a teammate."

"Anyone that played any level of competitive sports knows, you go after our best player, we going after you. Period," a fan replied.

Clark has definitely had a target on her back since entering the W. But the former No. 1 pick gives it as good as she gets it and night's like Tuesday are only a net positive for the league.

After her fourth quarter retaliation in the final minute, Cunningham's jersey reportedly sold out on the WNBA Store's website.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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