During the 2025 WNBA season, Sophie Cunningham frequently drew the assignment of guarding Paige Bueckers when the Indiana Fever faced the Dallas Wings. The two teams met four times, giving fans multiple opportunities to evaluate how effective Cunningham’s defense was against one of the league’s most dynamic scorers. In three of those games, Bueckers scored above her season average of 19.2 points per game. She recorded 27 points on June 27, followed by 21 points on July 13, and 22 points on August 1, all while being closely defended by Cunningham.
The one exception came on August 12, when Dallas edged Indiana 81 to 80. In that game, Bueckers finished with 16 points and struggled with efficiency, shooting just over 31 percent from the field and missing all four of her three point attempts. Despite the lower scoring output, the game stood out because of how physical it appeared and how often whistles were blown. This particular matchup later became central to Cunningham’s public comments about refereeing standards when defending elite guards.
Shortly after that game, Cunningham addressed the issue on her Show Me Something podcast. She made it clear that her frustration was not with Bueckers as a player but with how the game was officiated. Cunningham openly praised Bueckers’ talent while criticizing what she felt was inconsistent whistle treatment. According to her comments, defenders were given little room to apply physical pressure, while similar contact on the other end did not always result in calls for Indiana’s guards. This sentiment resonated with some fans who have long debated how stars are officiated in the WNBA.
The Sophie Cunningham Paige Bueckers foul debate gained new life in January 2026 after Cunningham posted a TikTok clip showing a defensive play where she and Chloe Bibby stripped the ball from Bueckers before Cunningham finished with a layup. The clip showed visible contact, and Bueckers appeared uncomfortable after hitting the floor. A fan commented that the play looked like a foul, prompting Cunningham to reply, “I’ll show you what a foul REALLY is.” While the response was likely meant humorously, it highlighted how sensitive the topic of fouls has become around these matchups.
From a broader perspective, this exchange reflects the competitive nature of elite guard defense in the WNBA. Cunningham has built a reputation as a physical, high effort defender who thrives on disrupting rhythm and applying pressure. Bueckers, on the other hand, relies on movement, balance, and precision, which can make even light contact look more dramatic. When those styles clash, disagreements over fouls are almost inevitable, especially in close games with playoff implications.
For Indiana Fever fans, the debate reinforces Cunningham’s value as a tone setter on the defensive end. Even when Bueckers posted strong scoring numbers, Cunningham’s presence forced difficult shots and constant work. For Dallas Wings supporters, the discussion centers on ensuring that a franchise player like Bueckers is protected consistently so she can operate freely within the offense. Both viewpoints underline how officiating plays a critical role in shaping outcomes, particularly in one possession games.
Looking ahead, the conversation may not end anytime soon. Cunningham is set to become a free agent, and speculation about her future has naturally followed. Whether she remains with Indiana or ends up elsewhere, including the possibility of playing alongside Bueckers one day, these past matchups will remain a reference point. If the Fever and Wings meet again, fans can expect renewed scrutiny on every defensive possession involving these two guards.
Comment Prompt
Do you think officiating played a major role in the Cunningham and Bueckers matchups last season?
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