A Caitlin Clark-less Indiana Fever is currently on lock with the Washington Mystics in their first pre-season game, with Clark missing out with  “just a little tightness” in her leg. The injury seems to not be very serious and she is expected to play in their next game against the Brazilian team.

In her sophomore year in the WNBA, she is joined by Sophie Cunningham, with whom she has formed a bond. They have thrown multiple banters at each other in the media sessions that have happened so far. On the court, their bond will come good for the Fever, as her 3-point threat could provide Indiana with another weapon, especially given Clark’s playmaking abilities.

Cunningham came off the bench in their preseason game and had Kiki Iriafen welcome her to the court. With just over five minutes to play in the second quarter, Cunningham went for a loose ball off of a Mystics miss before Washington rookie Kiki Iriafen appeared to toss her to the floor. Immediately, Cunningham was in the face of the rookie as the tackle was completely unnecessary. “You don’t have to f***** do that,” Cunningham said, approaching Iriafen after the play. Iriafen was casual, which has led to a positive reaction from the fans as the rookie showed unwavering confidence.

Fans love Kiki Iriafen’s reaction to Sophie Cunningham’s outburst

Fans love an unbothered rookie. Iriafen’s tackle did result in a flagrant foul but she was cool as a cucumber after Cunningham came charging at her. She did not escalate the situation further. Considering she is a rookie, a clash like this in the very beginning of the season could get her into the bad books of the seniors. Iriafen just stood there and smiled without any interaction with Cunningham whatsoever.

People just love drama.  “I need to know who else Kiki Iriafen plans to body slam so I can buy tickets to that.” wrote one X user.  It was like watching WWE in the middle of a basketball game as Iriafen held her by the waist and thrashed her on the ground. The looks of that foul were just funny, followed by Iriafen’s reaction, which made it 2x funnier.

“Kiki Iriafen, you are my favorite rookie lol; that smirk at Cunningham had me,” wrote another user. As a rookie, you are nervous to play your first top-level game but Iriafen played and behaved like a seasoned veteran getting 7 points and grabbing 5 rebounds in her 16 minutes on the court. Iriafen seems to have immense confidence in herself.

“KiKi Iriafen gave Sophie Cunningham a welcome to the w moment. Thats kinda iconic.” Wrote another user. Usually, it’s the seasoned veteran giving a welcome to the rookie but this was the other way round. Iriafen showed that she was not backing down. She was ready for the big leagues.