Sophie Cunningham Calls Out Paige Bueckers After Fever’s Loss to the Dallas Wings

The Indiana Fever have faced some of the WNBA’s toughest teams in recent days, including the Chicago Sky and the Dallas Wings. While they dominated the Sky in a commanding win, the Fever found themselves on the losing side against the Wings — a game that sparked controversy and heated words from Fever star Sophie Cunningham.

Following the loss to Dallas, Cunningham took to her personal podcast to voice her frustrations about the game and the performance of rookie Paige Bueckers. Cunningham’s remarks quickly gained attention, especially as they touched on what she perceived as favorable treatment for Bueckers from the referees.

A Controversial Loss to the Dallas Wings

The Fever entered their matchup against the Wings as favorites, but Dallas upset Indiana, even though the Wings were considered underdogs going into the game. Despite the Fever’s strong start to the season, the loss to Dallas stung, especially considering the performance of Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft.

Bueckers has been making waves in her rookie season with the Wings, and while her play has been undeniably impressive, Cunningham was less than pleased with what she perceived as referee favoritism during the game.

Sophie Cunningham’s Podcast Comments

On the latest episode of her podcast, Cunningham spoke candidly about her thoughts on the loss and the officiating, particularly focusing on Bueckers’ treatment by the referees.

“I love Paige to death,” Cunningham said during the podcast. “Do not get me wrong. I think she is a [expletive] of a player and like would love to play with her one day, but those refs were giving her every freaking whistle last night. Like, you literally couldn’t touch her.”

Cunningham’s comments reflect a growing frustration with the perceived favoritism Bueckers received during the game. As a player known for her tenacity and competitive spirit, Cunningham felt that the referees were too lenient when it came to calls involving Bueckers, which affected the flow of the game and, ultimately, the outcome for the Fever.

While Cunningham praised Bueckers’ talent and potential, it was clear that the referee calls during the game were a sore point for her.

Paige Bueckers Responds

It didn’t take long for Bueckers to respond to Cunningham’s comments. Ahead of the Wings’ next matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks, Bueckers addressed the remarks during a press conference.

“Everyone is entitled to their own unique personal opinion,” Bueckers said, offering a calm and measured response to Cunningham’s criticism.

Bueckers’ response was diplomatic, highlighting her respect for Cunningham’s opinion while reinforcing that she wouldn’t let the comments detract from her own focus. For Bueckers, it’s clear that she remains focused on her development and her role with the Wings, rather than getting caught up in outside drama.

Bueckers’ Impact in Her Rookie Season

Bueckers has made an immediate impact in her rookie season with the Wings. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, the pressure to perform has been high, but Bueckers has risen to the challenge. In her first season, she has averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, showcasing her all-around game and proving why she was selected first overall.

Her playmaking ability, scoring touch, and leadership on the court have quickly earned her a reputation as one of the brightest young talents in the league. Despite Cunningham’s comments, it’s clear that Bueckers’ performances on the court speak for themselves, and she has firmly established herself as one of the future stars of the WNBA.

Sophie Cunningham’s Role in the Fever

On the other side, Cunningham is also adjusting to life with the Fever, her first season with the team after joining from the Phoenix Mercury. While her stats — 8.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game — aren’t as eye-popping as Bueckers’ rookie season, Cunningham’s experience and grit have been invaluable to the Fever.

As a key player for Indiana, Cunningham has been helping the team build chemistry and find their rhythm in a tough season. Her leadership, especially when it comes to motivating the team in difficult moments, has been a bright spot in the Fever’s campaign. While she may not have the same scoring prowess as some of the league’s top stars, Cunningham’s fire and competitiveness have made her an integral part of the Fever’s roster.

The Bigger Picture: Rivalries and Respect

While Cunningham’s comments about Bueckers may have ruffled some feathers, it’s clear that the two players have a mutual respect for each other’s abilities. Cunningham was quick to acknowledge Bueckers’ talent, and Bueckers responded in kind, noting that everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, especially in a league like the WNBA, emotions can run high, and rivalries often flare up. Cunningham’s remarks were born out of frustration with a tough loss and perceived unfairness during the game, but they are part of the fierce competitive spirit that defines the sport.

Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead

For both the Fever and the Wings, the road ahead is filled with challenges. Cunningham and the Fever will continue to fight for positioning in the WNBA standings, while Bueckers and the Wings will look to build on their momentum as a young, exciting team.

In the end, it’s clear that both players are focused on their teams and the ultimate goal: winning. Whether on the court or in interviews, Cunningham and Bueckers will continue to be at the center of WNBA conversations, each striving to prove themselves as top-tier players in a league that is only growing in prominence.