Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham Praised In Badly Refereed WNBA Brawls: Fever vs Sun

The Indiana Fever defeated the Connecticut Sun 88-71 in a contentious WNBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal on Tuesday night, advancing to the final against the Minnesota Lynx on July 1. Multiple altercations and technical fouls marked the game, including incidents involving Caitlin Clark, Jacy Sheldon, and Marina Mabrey.

Fever head coach Stephanie White criticized the officiating, stating the crew failed to control the escalating physicality throughout the game.

Clark returned from a quad injury and led the Fever with 20 points, six assists, and two steals. She also hit several key three-pointers during the game.

In the third quarter, Sheldon poked Clark in the eye, and Mabrey shoved Clark to the ground during a scuffle. Sheldon was assessed a flagrant foul and later ejected for accumulating two technical fouls, while Lindsay Allen of the Sun was also ejected for fighting.

Sophie Cunningham was involved in a late-game altercation with Sheldon, resulting in a flagrant foul and subsequent ejection. Fever coach White defended Cunningham, arguing the officials failed to manage the game effectively.

Despite the on-court tension, Indiana maintained control throughout the game. Natasha Howard recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Kelsey Mitchell added 17 points.

The game was part of the Commissioner’s Cup competition, and the Fever will now face the Minnesota Lynx in the final on July 1.