If Sophie Cunningham’s actions against Jacy Sheldon in last night’s heated Indiana-Connecticut game didn’t put opposing players on notice, they might want to do a little more research on her background.
Things got tense and physical during the Fever-Sun game last night, with Cunningham, Sheldon and Lindsay Allen all getting ejected, not to mention the flagrant and technical fouls issued by the officials.
The tension picked up in the third quarter when Caitlin Clark was poked in the eye by Sheldon while the latter was on defense. A scuffle ensued, with Marina Mabrey coming out of nowhere and shoving Clark from behind:
The Fever and Sun got into a scuffle after Caitlin Clark was poked in the eye by Jacy Sheldon. Afterwards, Marina Mabrey shoved Clark.Clark, Mabrey and Tina Charles were called for technicals. Sheldon received a flagrant.
🎥 @NBATV | H/T @nosyone4 pic.twitter.com/TjgaLvPMFA
— The Athletic WBB (@TheAthleticWBB) June 18, 2025
Clearly upset with that foul Sheldon committed against Clark, Sophie Cunningham retaliated by putting Sheldon in a chokehold while she drove to the basket:
The Fever and Sun got into it again.Sophie Cunningham took exception to Jacy Sheldon’s foul on Caitlin Clark, leading to shoving and another altercation.Cunningham, Sheldon and Lindsay Allen were ejected from the game.
🎥 @NBATV | H/T @nosyone4pic.twitter.com/aXUS8kBzpl https://t.co/EOjIsf6J77
— The Athletic WBB (@TheAthleticWBB) June 18, 2025
If Cunningham’s actions there aren’t enough to scare off opposing defenders, then consider this: As noted by Fox Sports radio betting analyst Jared Smith, Cunningham has a black belt in Taekwondo that she obtained at the age of six.
Sophie Cunningham earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do at the age of six
She is the perfect enforcer for Caitlin Clark pic.twitter.com/1CFQ3BrICc
— Jared Smith (@jaredsmithbets) June 18, 2025
Teams have been trying to rile up Caitlin Clark by getting physical on defense since she entered the league last year. But with Sophie Cunningham now at her side, Clark has an enforcer to step in and back her up when necessary.
After six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, Cunningham was sent to Indiana in a four-team trade involving the Sun and Dallas Wings.
Cunningham is currently averaging 6.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game over six contests with the Fever. Her stats may not stand out right now, but Cunningham’s toughness and willingness to defend Clark when necessary will help the young star tremendously going forward.
Also Read: VIDEO: Caitlin Clark Slammed For Her Actions During Comeback Win Over Liberty
