Fever fans rage after refs call Sophie Cunningham for a loose foul against NaLyssa Smith: "Caitlin would shoot 50 FTs a game if she got this whistle" 

The Indiana Fever fan base couldn't help but continue their rage against the WNBA referees after Sophie Cunningham was called for a loose foul against the Las Vegas Aces' NaLyssa Smith. While the Fever won the bigger battle by handing the Aces an 80-70 loss and taking the season series lead, most 50-50 calls landed in Las Vegas' favor.

A'ja Wilson and Co. had three more trips to the free-throw line. That difference could have been +5 had the Aces not forced a foul with 13 seconds left in the hopes of an improbable comeback down eight points.

The timing of the foul on Cunningham couldn't have been worse after she was handed a $500 fine for dissing the referees on TikTok. She called out the league on Wednesday, saying:

"I got fined $500 for this TikTok ... ik why this is funny to me… like ok ... you got it bud! Cause there’s not more important things to be worried about with our league right now"

It set the foundation for Fever fans to express their anger on another questionable call during Thursday's contest, with former Fever player NaLyssa Smith benefiting from it. Smith shot a midrange attempt with Sophie Cunningham contesting the shot.

It seemed like Cunningham barely touched her counterpart, but the refs awarded the call to Smith. One Fever fan said Caitlin Clark would average '50 free-throws' a night with such calls:

"The stuff the WNBA ignores then makes foul calls like this on Sophie Cunningham. Beyond comical. Caitlin would shoot 50 FTs a game if she got this whistle."

More reactions followed:

Clarence Griffin

@GriffinGr46348

LINK

The referees in the W are a joke, embarrassing 😂

Herbert Whitehouse

@DoubleWhitehous

LINK

Sophie did not touch her❗️

🫣🫣✅🫣🫣

jarjarbinks

@jarjarbink87427

LINK

the refs will call everything on Sophie cause of posts online... there was a loose ball also called a foul on her when bot players were going for the ball and there was marginal contact. Should have been a no call.

JD Williams

@realJayDubWilly

LINK

@CathyEngelbert

's

@WNBA

right there.

Hypocrites at best

Blatantly rigged at worst

Can't claim to be a 'physical league' then call this.

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Sophie Cunningham records fifth consecutive double-digit scoring game as Fever win without Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever remained over .500 without Caitlin Clark behind a collective effort. Sophie Cunningham made a key contribution with her third start on Thursday, recording 15 points, three rebounds and one steal on 80.0% shooting. She was 3 of 4 from the 3-point line.

It was the fifth consecutive double-digit scoring game for Indiana's marquee trade addition from the offseason. Cunningham endured a rough start to her Fever career after picking up injuries that forced her to miss time.

However, with more reps and playing time under her belt, she's growing comfortable. She's been a difference-maker with her two-way play, particularly with her offense, which is exactly what the Fever need without Clark on the floor.

Clark remains sidelined without a timetable to return, and the Fever will hope Cunningham continues her offensive tear until her superstar teammate is back.