Sophie Cunningham backed Azzi Fudd’s recent statement on WNBA referees. The Dallas Wings’ top pick this season was confused after playing a couple of preseason games. She stated that she believed the league was more physical, but even a slight touch leads to fouls and free throws. Cunningham has also echoed Fudd’s take on the WNBA officiating.
The Wings played a couple of preseason games and won both. However, the one against the Las Vegas Aces led her to talk about the referees calling the game at will. Discussing more about Fudd’s statement, Fever guard Cunningham said:
“I think its pretty valid what she says like it is so much more physcial than any league but its all about like how thwy’re gonna call the game. Some times you can touch them, some time you can’t so I think like you’ve to get used to it.”
Cunningham was also asked if she could figure out the type of officiating in a game early and maneuver accordingly. She responded that the calling was inconsistent throughout the year and even in a game sometimes. The Fever guard also threw light on the behind-the-scenes of what happens among referees before the season begins. She added that the referees were working with the league to determine how the season would look and continue the officiating as per their discussions.
Sophie Cunningham hasn’t looked out of form in the preseason games yet and is set to make a real impact this season. Cailtin Clark and Co. will try to make a title run with their roster back together and running. Meanwhile, Cunningham didn’t think that flopping was an issue in the WNBA yet.
Sophie Cunningham denies flopping in the WNBA as opposed to the NBA
In the aforementioned interview, Sophie Cunningham was also asked about the debate of flopping in the WNBA as opposed to the NBA. The NBA playoffs are ongoing, as the LA Lakers play the OKC Thunder in Round 1. Amid this, several players and analysts have criticized the defending champions for using foul-baiting and flopping techniques.
When asked if the women’s league also faced similar issues, Cunningham replied and also talked about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his skillset in the men’s league:
“No. I get it you can bait people and that’s like part of the game of like getting people in foul trouble, like the mental aspect, I get it. But like he is so good that there are some calls like well like come on.”
Cunningham and the Fever will face the Wings in their season-opener, as fans get excited for the highly anticipated game between the two juggernauts.
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