Sophie Cunningham's Immediate Reaction After Getting Grabbed by the Neck in Fever Game
Still without Caitlin Clark, who has now missed 10 games in 2025, Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever eyed their 10th win of the WNBA season.
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On Saturday, the Fever (9-8) faced Kelsey Plum and the Los Angeles Sparks for the second time this year on their home court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Julie Vanloo recently signed with the Sparks after being waived by the Golden State Valkyries. She saw two minutes of action in Thursday's win over the Liberty, but saw much more action against the Fever.
With 1:25 remaining in the first quarter, Vanloo was getting some early action. She showed off her hustle by diving for a loose ball, only to meet Cunningham on the ground.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Cunningham came up with the ball while Vanloo, also going for it, grabbed the Fever guard by the neck. Despite the contact, no foul was called, and officials ruled it a jump ball.
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As the two guards got up, Vanloo appeared to say something to Cunningham with a smile. Cunningham responded with a smile and a laugh as she walked away. No harm done.
Cunningham won the jump ball and was fouled by Vanloo five seconds later, sending her to the line for two free throws. She made one, but Vanloo responded 11 seconds later by sinking a 23-foot three-pointer to give the Sparks a 21-20 lead.
Vanloo has bounced around the WNBA since joining the league in 2024. She spent her rookie season with the Washington Mystics, averaging 7.4 points and 4.3 assists. But she was selected by the Valkyries in December's expansion draft.
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She played nine games with Golden State this year, averaging 4.6 points and 4.1 assists per game. She was unexpectedly released by the team last week.
Related: Sophie Cunningham Turns Heads With Outfit For Indiana Fever Game on Saturday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
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