Find yourself someone who loves you as much as Sophie Cunningham loves Myisha Hines-Allen. One of Indiana’s key free-agent signings in the offseason, the forward has endeared herself to players and fans this season, matching her skill and versatility with a physical edge that gets Fever fans roaring in the crowd. And wouldn’t you know it, an overtime battle against the Chicago Sky got the fire going in Hines-Allen.
In a strong defensive effort, the Fever edged out the Sky, 114-106, despite a heavy push by Chicago late in the game. Hines-Allen also provided critical minutes off the bench and was outstanding for Indiana. She finished with nine rebounds and five points while standing tall in key moments. The veteran forward delivered a spectacular chase-down block on Jacy Sheldon’s layup attempt that would have put the Sky ahead late in the game.
The block got the Fever players and fans hyped up, including Sophie Cunningham, who has a history with Sheldon, and couldn’t hide her true feelings. Not only was Cunningham fired up during the game, but she also took to her social media page to let Hines-Allen know that the defensive play was “nasty.”
Reacting to the play on X, Cunningham commented:
“Oh my baby Jesus. Just nasty 😮💨”
She also had a similar reaction on Instagram:
“Oh dear baby Jesus.”
While it may have come across as a little shade toward Sheldon, Cunningham definitely enjoyed the play. Cunningham and Sheldon were involved in an on-court altercation that helped her gain millions of social media followers last season. It also earned her the “enforcer” label among the Fever fans.
The viral incident occurred when Sheldon made a physical play against Caitlin Clark, and Cunningham retaliated, brutally taking Sheldon down when she drove to the basket. Both players were ejected, and Cunningham was fined $400 by the WNBA for her actions.
Sophie Cunningham Watched Indiana Fever Beat Chicago Sky From Bench
Sophie Cunningham did not play in the game as she was ruled out before tipoff with an elbow injury. However, she stayed engaged from the bench, reacting to every big moment. Every big shot had her jumping and reacting from the sideline.
The Fever were the better team for the majority of this game, and it was arguably one of their most complete efforts of the season. They also got big buckets at key moments, as Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston combined for a 30-point double-double. They became the first teammates in league history to achieve the feat.
The Fever did surrender an early lead to Chicago, but they buckled down and played a strong game the rest of the way, including through overtime.
Cunningham, who has been a steady hand off the bench, is averaging 8.7 points and 2.5 rebounds this season. Her next chance to suit up will come against the Connecticut Sun on Saturday.
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