Sophie Cunningham Gets Flagrant Foul Against Dallas Wings

Early clash sets the tone in Indy.

Sophie Cunningham Gets Flagrant Foul Against Dallas Wings originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Indiana Fever hosted the Dallas Wings on Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, hoping to build off its winning record and continue to push for playoff positioning over the final stretch of the WNBA season.

Less than three minutes into the game, a hard contest involving Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, known for her physical play, and Wings rookie Paige Bueckers sent Bueckers to the floor and the officials to the monitor.

Cunningham's foul was upgraded to a flagrant 1 soon after, awarding Bueckers three free throws and giving the Wings the ball back.

The decision drew immediate boos from the fans in Indy.

Fever vs. Wings Game Preview and Key Storylines

Indiana entered the game fifth in the standings at 18-14, winners of six of their last eight which is looking for a 4-0 season sweep of Dallas after victories by an average of 12.3 points.

In the most recent meeting on August 1, the Fever won 88–78 in Dallas behind Kelsey Mitchell’s 23 and double-doubles from Natasha Howard (11 points, 16 rebounds) and Aliyah Boston (12 points, 11 rebounds).

Bueckers, meanwhile, led the way for the Wings with 22 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals on 7-of-14 shooting from the field and a perfect 8-of-8 from the line.

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers shoots a free throw against the Washington Mystics.Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Leading up to Tuesday's contest, however, Indiana's rotation looks much different.

Caitlin Clark (right groin) missed her 11th straight game; head coach Stephanie White said Monday she is working her way back but has not fully practiced.

With Aari McDonald (foot) and Sydney Colson (knee) out for the season, Indiana signed veteran guard Odyssey Sims to a hardship contract on Sunday.

As a result, Cunningham started again at the point guard position, having dropped 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting in the same role on Saturday against the Chicago Sky.

Related: WNBA Team in Line for Punishment After Indiana Fever Game

Related: Sophie Cunningham Responds After Unexpected Offer From Lakers President Jeanie Buss

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.

Category: Basketball