Rookie basketball player Kiki Iriafen from Mystics commits flagrant foul on Sophie Cunningham, sparking reactions

Heated Altercation Occurs in WNBA Preseason Match-Up

The Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics squared off in a memorable preseason game on Saturday, where a skirmish took place. Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen pushed Fever guard Sophie Cunningham to the floor.

The incident set off a chain reaction, with Cunningham quickly retorting, "you can't do that." Iriafen just grinned and smirked in response, causing quite the stir on social media.

One social media user humorously commented, "These rooks ain't soft like last year rooks 😂😂😂😂 damn Kiki." Another response was more direct, simply stating, "Kick her out!"

Iriafen clearly means business, but frustrations may be mounting. Cunningham is known for her on-court antics, including talking trash and playing scrappily, which can rub people the wrong way, leading to situations like this.

The altercation didn't just affect Cunningham and Iriafen; it spread to other players as well. Later in the game, Brittney Sykes pushed Cunningham, with DeWanna Bonner pushing back.

The Mystics Top 3 WNBA Draft picks received a warm welcome in DC, but this game, unfortunately, turned into something unexpected.

The displayed intensity might just be what the Fever need, especially with superstar Caitlin Clark on the team. The Fever's culture seems to be taking shape, with White bringing over grit from Connecticut.

Although inconvenient, the shoving match provided a silver lining. For Indiana, it showed unity and a refusal to back down. For Iriafen and the Mystics, it demonstrated a determination and fearlessness, even with the youngest roster in the league.

Having a mental edge is just as important as skills. This preseason game sparked reactions across the WNBA community.

Game Insights

The game took place on May 3, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and was broadcast on NBA TV as part of the Fever’s two-game preseason slate[3].
New head coach Stephanie White emphasized using the game to evaluate roster dynamics against unfamiliar competition[1].
The Mystics dominated early (62-29 lead), but the Fever showed resilience later, with bench energy and improved possession control being bright spots[2].
White highlighted how new veterans altered expectations, creating a more balanced roster compared to the 2024 youth-heavy lineup[1].
The cautious approach with Clark reinforced a culture of player wellness, setting a tone for roster management during the expanded 2025 season[1][3].

The altercation between Kiki Iriafen and Sophie Cunningham, which occurred during the WNBA preseason game between the Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics, generated significant reactions on social media.
Despite the rough start to the game, the Fever demonstrated resilience, with improved possession control being a notable bright spot.
Iriafen's actions may represent a determined and fearless approach, but such on-court antics by Cunningham can create tension and potentially lead to similar situations.
The Mystics' top picks in the 2025 WNBA draft received a warm welcome in DC, but the preseason game took an unexpected turn, showcasing intensity and mental edge among the players.