INDIANAPOLIS — Former Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham isn’t holding back on her thoughts about what transpired during her current club’s three-game series against the Las Vegas Aces.
The now-Indiana Fever guard spoke out about an incident that happened during Game 2 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse involving Aces star A’ja Wilson and a fan sitting courtside. After a play, the fan could be seen pointing at Wilson and yelling before Wilson turned toward him and confronted him.
Oct 1, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) controls the ball against Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) during the second quarter of game three of the first round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
The situation was a culmination of emotions throughout the series, and it took several moments for it to de-escalate as teammates and security tried to figure out what had happened. Wilson was assessed a technical foul during the game, and the WNBA decided not to suspend her after a review, making her eligible to play in the clubs’ Game 3.
The league determined she remained within the designated player escape lane, and while the fan was briefly removed, he later returned after the Fever determined he didn’t violate the arena’s fan code of conduct.
However, the former Mercury guard doesn’t believe it was handled correctly.
“Like grow up, what are we doing? We ask all these things and then once people come out and support us, we get mad and then its inappropriate” — Sophie on the pointing incident with the Fever fan in Game 2 🚨🚨🚨NEW EP JUST DROPPED EVERYWHERE 🚨🚨🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/CIEPGEPjcC
— No Hesitation Show (@NoHesiShow) October 3, 2026
“You know, that could have called for a suspension,” Cunningham said on the No Hesitation Show. “But, you know, she’s like the LeBron James of our league, and so, of course, they’re not going to suspend her.”
Cunningham said it’s not that she didn’t want Wilson to play in the third game, but rather questioned why the incident didn’t bring additional discipline.
“Of course, we wanted her to play,” Cunningham said. “Like, I think that makes for good basketball… But I think for someone pointing and saying that the foul was on you, like, grow up. I’m over it.”
It’s not the first time there’s been an incident involving a player and the Indiana fanbase.
Sep 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) talks to a teammates after she went into the stands to confront a fan during game two of the first round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
In 2024, then-Connecticut Sun and now-Phoenix forward Alyssa Thomas called out what she described as racist comments from Indiana fans following Connecticut’s playoff series against the Fever. Thomas said she had never experienced comments like those in her career and called the behavior unacceptable.
The WNBA said it wouldn’t tolerate racist, derogatory or threatening comments directed at players or teams.
With that conversation reopening around how fans react and interact with players, it could once again become something the league has to address. With the league’s continued growth and exposure each season, there is more passion surrounding the sport, and at times, that passion can grow into something more.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts after a foul was called on Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, during the game two of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at Gainbrigde Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
But Cunningham doesn’t necessarily believe the issue is simply fan behavior.
It’s where the line is drawn when that emotion spills beyond the court — and whether the same standard is applied when players, regardless of their stature, cross it.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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