A few days have passed since the thrilling matchup between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever, which ultimately ended in a loss for Caitlin Clark’s team. With emotions now settled, Sophie Cunningham didn’t hold back when speaking about Paige Bueckers, suggesting the rookie receives certain advantages from WNBA referees.
The intensity with which the officiating crew called certain plays involving one of Stephanie White’s key players was clearly not the same as how similar actions by Bueckers were judged — or at least that’s how Cunningham saw it in the days following the game.
While the former Phoenix Mercury player admitted to being a fan of Paige Bueckers’ game, she also firmly stated that officials tend to grant the rookie certain concessions because of her talent and what she represents in the WNBA.
“I love Paige to death,” Cunningham said during her latest ‘Show Me Something’ episode. “Do not get me wrong. I think she’s a helluva player and would love to play with her one day. But those refs were giving her every freakin’ whistle last night. Like, you literally couldn’t touch her. That (expletive) is so annoying to me. And if you’re gonna do that, then give it to our guards. I just hate the inconsistency.
“We know she’s a good rookie, and she’s gonna get some whistles. But like, to get the treatment she got last night was crazy. Crazy. She’s gonna be one of those players, she’s already gonna be a GOAT, she’s gonna be a Hall of Famer. Everyone knows it. She’s a freakin’ helluva player. But getting some of those whistles already? Oh my. I couldn’t.”
Still battling without Clark
With the final stretch of the WNBA season underway, the Indiana Fever are navigating a pivotal period without their star, Caitlin Clark. While the team has faced challenges in her absence, a veteran leader has emerged to carry the load: Sophie Cunningham.
The versatile guard has become one of the team’s brightest spots, providing consistent scoring and a competitive edge that has helped keep the Fever in the hunt. Under the guidance of head coach Stephanie White, Indiana is leaning on Cunningham to be the backbone of the offense as they fight for a crucial playoff spot and look to build momentum ahead of the postseason.
What’s next for the Fever?
As the most crucial stretch of the season unfolds, these are the upcoming games Indiana must face to stay in the hunt in the Eastern Conference.
- vs Washington Mystics, August 15
- vs Connecticut Sun, August 17
- vs Minnesota Lynx, August 22
- vs Minnesota Lynx, August 24
- vs Seattle Storm, August 26
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