What is it with these Connecticut Sun vs Indiana Fever games this season? Every game, there is a new controversy. In their first game, Connecticut snapped their 5-game losing streak. The next one was the infamous Sophie Cunningham ejection game. Their third matchup resulted in a devastating Injury for Caitlin Clark (which she is yet to recover from). And now, in their recent matchup, Sophie Cunningham has suffered an injury which, at first glance, seems very serious.

The incident happened with 8 minutes left to go in the second quarter. Bria Hartley drove to the basket and passed to the right corner. However, due to her momentum, she could not stop and crashed into Sophie Cunningham’s right leg. While it may have been an accident, Bria Hartley’s history this season has led many to believe that this was on purpose. Another firm believer in this theory is Sophie Cunningham’s mother, Paula Cunningham. Shortly after Sophie’s injury, she posted on X, “Hartley is a disgruntled player having trouble everywhere she goes; she’s plain mean and plays out of control.”

While many fans, including Sophie Cunningham’s sister, are blaming Bria Hartley or the referees for the latest injury, WNBA analyst Rachel DeMita is of a different opinion. In her latest episode of the Courtside Club podcast, Rachel said that she doesn’t believe that there was any malice in Sophie Cunningham’s injury and that it was just unfortunate. 

She said, “It is ironic because Bria Hartley has been in multiple scuffles this year with the Connecticut Sun. A lot of people would categorize her as a dirty player. I will say on this play in particular. I don’t think that she was doing it on purpose. I do think she was a bit out of control when she was driving to the basket, but I think this was unfortunately just a series of unfortunate events.”

Rachel DeMita further analyzed that rather than meaning any malice, it was just a case of Bria Hartley being out of control and balance that led to her collision with Cunningham. Despite Rachel’s comments, there is no denying the fact that Bria Hartley does have a history of controversial incidents in the 2025 WNBA season. Just a few days ago, she was involved in a heated on-court scuffle with Rebecca Allen and Ariel Atkins that led to her ejection. 

Whether the incident was just an accident or deliberate, the debate can go on for a long time. Indiana Fever fans would certainly believe that it was on purpose. Especially considering Sophie Cunningham’s own history this season with the Connecticut Sun. Meanwhile, neutral fans and some analysts will believe that it was just a set of unfortunate instances. The fact of the matter is, the Indiana Fever are in a heap of trouble if Sophie Cunningham is out for a long time. But despite all the negativity, Kelsey Mitchell continues to carry the team on her back. 

Kelsey Mitchell Creates Indiana Fever History In Emotional Win Over Connecticut Sun

Yesterday’s game against the Connecticut Sun was a very important one for the Indiana Fever. Coming into the game after two heartbreaking losses against the Dallas Wings and the Washington Mystics, this was a must-win game for their playoff prospects. But after Sophie Cunningham’s injury, the Fever went down 21 points by the third quarter. However, when all seemed lost, Kelsey Mitchell came in and provided yet another miracle for Fever fan nation. 

The game didn’t start easily for her. Till half-time, Kelsey had just scored 4 points. However, in the second half and overtime, she was a like woman possessed.  On her way to pulling out a win from the jaws of defeat, Kelsey Mitchell also cemented her legacy with the Indiana Fever and overtook Fever and WNBA legend Tamika Catchings. 

With a layup in 20 seconds into overtime, Kelsey had her 11th 30-point game (fourth this season) of her career. This feat took her one such game over Tamika Catchings and made her the player with the most 30-point games in franchise history. She ended the game with 38 points, which is the season high in terms of individual scoring. With the season winding down soon, there is a good chance that she will hold that record. 

This win was a particularly emotional one for the Indiana Fever. With injuries to so many of their players, losing a locker room leader was another tough blow for them. In the post-game press conference, Stephanie White was visibly emotional and had tears in her eyes while talking about the game and how the team pulled together and won the game.

After the Indiana Fever’s OT win against the Connecticut Sun and the Golden State Valkyries’ loss against the Atlanta Dream, the Fever are back in the 6th spot. However, with one of the toughest schedules remaining, and the prospect of losing Sophie Cunningham for a large portion as well, Kelsey Mitchell would have to be at her brilliant self if the Indiana Fever are to make the playoffs on their own accord.