With the Indiana Fever sidelined several key guards, including Caitlin Clark, head coach Stephanie White started both Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull together for the first time. This strategic decision came as the Fever faced a Chicago Sky team missing Angel Reese on Saturday night, resulting in a commanding 92-70 victory for Indiana. The move showcased the team’s adaptability during a challenging period for their roster.
Playful Moment Highlights Cunningham and Hull’s Connection
One day after the win, an online video captured Cunningham and Hull together at a signing event where Cunningham reacted with laughter when handed a card featuring Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon. Hull’s surprise response, “No way!” reflected the tension and history between the players. Their shared amusement demonstrated camaraderie amid the ongoing WNBA rivalries.
Backstory of Tensions Between Cunningham and Sheldon
The interaction between Cunningham and Sheldon stems from a heated game on June 17. During the Fever’s 88-71 victory over the Connecticut Sun, Sheldon and Clark clashed early on, which escalated when Marina Mabrey pushed Clark to the floor. Cunningham later retaliated by pulling Sheldon down on a fast break, nearly sparking a fight. This sequence led to the ejection of Cunningham, Sheldon, and Connecticut’s Lindsay Allen after video review.
Coaching Opinions on the WNBA Incident
Sun coach Rachid Meziane expressed his frustration following the altercation:
“When you are winning a game by 17 points and you’re doing this stupid foul, this is just disrespectful,”
and added,
“I don’t know how Jacy and Lindsay [got] ejected from the game when they did nothing.”
These comments underline the contentious nature of the incident between the Fever and Sun players.
Looking Ahead: Fever’s Next Challenge Against Chicago Sky
Cunningham and Hull are expected to start together again in the Fever’s upcoming matchup on Tuesday, where they will face Paige Bueckers and the Chicago Sky. Though uncertainty remains around Caitlin Clark’s availability, all indications suggest she will miss her 11th consecutive game. This upcoming contest will test the Fever’s resilience and ability to maintain momentum with their adjusted lineup.