INSTANT REGRET Hits Mystics Players After Assaulting Sophie Cunningham & Still LOST! The Preseason Drama That Shook the WNBA

In a preseason WNBA matchup that was supposed to fly under the radar, the Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever delivered a spectacle that set the tone for the season—and not for the right reasons. In a game where Caitlin Clark’s absence was only announced moments before tipoff, all eyes turned to the court to see how the Fever would respond without their star rookie. What unfolded was a dramatic confrontation that not only ignited Sophie Cunningham’s best performance in a Fever jersey but also exposed a troubling lack of sportsmanship from the Mystics, leaving fans and analysts questioning the culture within the franchise.

The drama began early when Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen, fresh out of USC, delivered a blatant shove that sent Sophie Cunningham crashing to the hardwood. The play itself was far from a basketball move—there was no ball in play, just a raw attempt at intimidation from a first-year player trying to make her mark. The arena, packed with fans expecting a routine preseason contest, was suddenly buzzing with tension. Cunningham, a seasoned veteran known for her grit, wasted no time. She bounced back to her feet, locked eyes with Iriafen, and delivered a message that echoed throughout the gym: “You don’t do that.”

What followed was a defining moment, not just for the game but for the Fever’s identity. Cunningham’s response was not just verbal. She let her game do the talking, pouring in 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting, grabbing eight rebounds, and playing with an intensity that lifted her teammates. The Fever, who looked lost and disjointed in the opening quarter without Clark’s leadership, suddenly found their rhythm. Cunningham’s fiery competitiveness became contagious, inspiring a comeback that saw Indiana erase a double-digit deficit and claim a hard-fought victory.

The Mystics, meanwhile, seemed to relish their early advantage. With Clark sidelined and the Fever offense sputtering, Washington’s bench exuded a sense of smugness, as if a win was inevitable. But as the game wore on and Cunningham’s energy galvanized her team, that confidence quickly gave way to frustration. The Mystics’ attempts at physical intimidation backfired spectacularly, as their aggressive tactics only fueled Indiana’s resolve.

As the final buzzer sounded, the Fever celebrated a statement win, but the drama was far from over. In a move that stunned both the crowd and viewers at home, the Mystics players refused to participate in the postgame handshake line. Instead, they walked off the court without so much as a nod to their opponents, a gesture that many saw as the ultimate display of poor sportsmanship. Social media exploded with condemnation of the Mystics’ behavior, with fans and analysts alike calling out the team for failing to uphold the basic standards of respect that define professional basketball.

The incident also reignited discussions about the culture within the Mystics organization. Owned by Sheila Johnson, the franchise has faced criticism in the past for a perceived lack of respect toward opponents, particularly in the wake of Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise. Johnson’s own public comments questioning Clark’s accolades have drawn scrutiny, and many fans saw the Mystics’ on-court behavior as a reflection of attitudes that start at the top. As one viral post put it, “Like owner, like team.” The connection between organizational leadership and player conduct became a central theme in the postgame discourse.

For the Fever, the game was a testament to their depth and resilience. While Clark is undoubtedly the face of the franchise and the engine that drives their offense, Cunningham proved that Indiana is far from a one-dimensional team. Her ability to step up in a moment of adversity, lead by example, and refuse to be intimidated sent a powerful message to the rest of the league. Coach Stephanie White praised Cunningham’s toughness and versatility, noting that her presence on the floor raises the level of play for everyone around her. “She’s a competitor. She’s versatile, and she plays with such toughness. She’s going to be huge for us all season long,” White said after the game.

The Mystics, on the other hand, left the court with more questions than answers. Their strategy of physical intimidation not only failed to secure a win but also damaged their reputation. The refusal to shake hands after the game was widely viewed as a sign of immaturity and a lack of professionalism, especially coming from a team with championship aspirations. For a league that prides itself on promoting sportsmanship and the growth of women’s basketball, the Mystics’ actions were a glaring misstep.

The fallout from the game extended far beyond the court. Fans took to social media to voice their disappointment, with many drawing direct lines between the Mystics’ ownership and the players’ conduct. The narrative quickly shifted from a discussion about preseason basketball to a broader debate about the values the WNBA should promote. Should teams resort to intimidation tactics and disrespect, or should they embody the spirit of competition and mutual respect that has long been a hallmark of the league?

For Sophie Cunningham, the night was about more than just personal redemption. By responding to adversity with her best performance as a member of the Fever, she not only silenced her doubters but also set a standard for her teammates to follow. Her leadership, both vocal and by example, turned what could have been a demoralizing night into a rallying point for Indiana. The Fever’s comeback victory, fueled by Cunningham’s 21 points and relentless determination, sent a clear message to the rest of the WNBA: this team won’t back down, no matter who’s on the floor.

As the regular season approaches, the Fever will look to build on the momentum from this dramatic win. Clark’s eventual return will only strengthen a squad that now knows it can compete—and win—without her. For the Mystics, the loss should serve as a wake-up call. Talent alone isn’t enough; respect for the game and for opponents is just as important. The league, its fans, and its players deserve nothing less.

In the end, the Fever-Mystics preseason clash will be remembered not for the absence of a star, but for the emergence of a new leader and the exposure of a troubling trend. Sophie Cunningham’s resilience and the Fever’s unity stood in stark contrast to the Mystics’ failed intimidation and lack of sportsmanship. The message was clear: in the WNBA, toughness isn’t just about physical play—it’s about respect, professionalism, and rising above adversity. The Fever passed that test with flying colors, while the Mystics left the arena with instant regret and a reputation in need of repair.