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The heat has become a notch as Indiana Fever and the Washington mystics squared in Saturday's first preseason game.
At one point, Cunningham went up to a defensive rebound over mystic rookie Kiki Iliafen. The veteran security guard was thrown to the ground and entered the standout side of the former USC. Feverguard's Lexie Hull had to intervene between the two players.
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Washington Mystics Emily Ingstra (21), Indiana Fever Sophie Cunningham (8), and Washington Mystics Sonia Citron (22) will fight for the loose ball on Saturday, May 3, 2025 during a preseason match between Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis. (via Grace Smith/Indystar/USA Today network imaging images)
Mystics guard Morgan Jones placed his arm around Iliafen as 6-foot-3 turned away from Cunningham and smiled. Iriafen hit with a Flagrant 1 foul.
It wasn't the only incident during the game.
Cunningham was also in custody after Brittney Sykes attempted to make it available to Dewannabonner Pass. Sykes pushed Cunningham into the ground and met Bonner's strength.
Kate Rinklerk deals with leg issues before WNBA preseason
Indiana Fever Lexiehal (10) passes to Indiana Fever Sophie Cunningham (8) on Saturday, May 3, 2025 during the preseason game between Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis. (via Grace Smith/Indystar/USA Today network imaging images)
“Sophie is Dawg,” Fever head coach Stephanie White said via the Indystar. “She's a competitor. She's versatile. She's allowed us to do different things. She plays with such toughness. She's huge and is here for us all throughout the season.
“What she brings, from an energy standpoint, will raise the level of play for everyone around you as soon as she stepped onto the floor.
Indiana won 79-74 in overtime.
The created mystic had one of the WNBA's worst records last season, but in the preseason it made it clear that they couldn't push away by any team.
Indiana Fever assistant coach Austin Kelly and Indiana Fever coach head coach Stephanie White celebrate during a preseason game against the Washington Mystics at the Gaine Bridge Field House in Indiana Field and Indianapolis. (via Grace Smith/Indystar/USA Today network imaging images)
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Washington's season begins on May 16th against Atlanta's dreams.
Indiana's season will face Chicago Sky on May 17th.
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