On Thursday, Sophie Cunningham reignited a rivalry during her appearance in Athlon Sports alongside her former Indiana Fever teammate. The Indiana Fever faced a heavy 95-60 defeat to the Phoenix Mercury, marking one of the largest losses in this WNBA season. Despite the lopsided score, the match maintained a fierce competitive spirit as both teams aimed to prove their strength.
During the game, Cunningham clashed with Mercury guard-forward and ex-teammate Dewanna Bonner. After fouling Bonner, the officials reviewed the play while Cunningham exchanged heated words with Bonner and Phoenix star Satou Sabberry. Cunningham had to be restrained by her teammate Damiris Dantas as tensions rose on the court. Ultimately, Cunningham was charged with a clear pass foul, granting Phoenix two free throws and possession.
The tension between Cunningham and Bonner is rooted in their brief time together with the Fever. Both joined as offseason signees, but while Cunningham established herself as a key player, Bonner chose to leave Indiana after playing only nine games. She was waived and later joined Phoenix, the team where she spent the first 11 years of her WNBA career and became a six-time All-Star.
Although the specifics of their exchange remain unknown, the intensity between the two competitive players was undeniable.
Fan Take: This heated encounter highlights the emotional and competitive edges that make the WNBA exciting to watch. Rivalries like Cunningham and Bonner’s add depth to the league, fueling passion on the court and captivating fans, potentially drawing even more attention and growth to women’s basketball.
