The WNBA, long celebrated for its athleticism, skill, and growing cultural relevance, has seen an uptick in physical play and emotional confrontations in recent seasons. Nowhere was this more evident than during Saturday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where cameras caught Sparks point guard Julie Vanloo in a brief but headline-grabbing moment: appearing to choke Indiana’s unofficial enforcer, Sophie Cunningham, as the two scrambled for a loose ball.

While the incident could have escalated, it ended with both players sharing a laugh—a surprising and almost refreshing twist compared to the heated altercations that have marked the Fever’s season so far. To fully understand the context and significance of this moment, it’s worth exploring the backgrounds of both players, the evolving physicality of the WNBA, and the unique role Sophie Cunningham has carved out for herself in her first season with Indiana.

The Incident: Vanloo and Cunningham’s Tangled Encounter

The first quarter of the Sparks-Fever game was already charged with intensity. Both teams are fighting for playoff positioning, and every possession mattered. As the Sparks pushed up the court, a loose ball sent players diving to the hardwood. Sparks guard Julie Vanloo and Fever forward Sophie Cunningham both lunged for the ball, arms and bodies entangled in the scramble.

In the chaos, Vanloo’s arm wrapped around Cunningham’s neck in what could have been interpreted as a chokehold. The sequence was brief—lasting only a second or two—but long enough to be caught by television cameras and replayed across social media. Spectators braced for a confrontation, especially given Cunningham’s reputation for never backing down from physical play.

But instead of tempers flaring, Vanloo and Cunningham exchanged a smile and a laugh, quickly diffusing any potential animosity. The moment stood in stark contrast to a similar incident just weeks earlier, when Cunningham herself was at the center of a much more heated altercation.

Sophie Cunningham: The Fever’s Unofficial Enforcer

Sophie Cunningham’s journey to becoming the Indiana Fever’s enforcer has been anything but conventional. Acquired in a four-team trade in January, Cunningham arrived in Indiana with a reputation for toughness and grit. Her willingness to mix it up physically has made her both a valuable asset and a lightning rod for controversy.

The most notable example came on June 17, when the Fever faced off against the Connecticut Sun. Late in the fourth quarter, Sun rookie Jacy Sheldon fouled Indiana star Caitlin Clark, catching her in the eye. Cunningham, never one to let a teammate be bullied, responded by placing Sheldon in a chokehold as she drove to the basket. The incident led to a Flagrant 2 foul and a $400 fine for Cunningham, though she avoided suspension.

For Cunningham, the message was clear: she would not tolerate opponents targeting her teammates, especially Clark, who has become a focal point for opposing defenses. “Everyone knows that opposing players have tried to frustrate Clark by getting physical on defense, but Cunningham clearly won’t stand for it,” one Fever insider noted.

The Changing Culture of the WNBA

Physicality in the WNBA is nothing new, but the league’s recent surge in popularity—fueled in part by the arrival of high-profile rookies like Caitlin Clark—has put a brighter spotlight on every hard foul and emotional confrontation. Games are more intense, rivalries are more personal, and players are more willing than ever to stand up for themselves and their teammates.

Julie Vanloo’s moment with Cunningham is emblematic of this shift. Vanloo, a talented point guard known for her hustle and defensive tenacity, was likely sending a message of her own: the Sparks won’t be pushed around, either. Yet the fact that the moment ended in laughter rather than violence suggests a mutual respect among players, even as the stakes get higher.

This balance between competitiveness and camaraderie is part of what makes the WNBA so compelling. Players know how to push each other to the limit while still maintaining a sense of sportsmanship—a quality that was on full display in the Vanloo-Cunningham exchange.

Cunningham’s Impact on the Fever

Beyond her role as an enforcer, Sophie Cunningham has made a significant impact on the Fever in her first season with the team. Standing at 6-foot-1 and possessing a rare blend of physicality and skill, Cunningham has filled a crucial gap for Indiana, providing toughness, leadership, and the ability to guard multiple positions.

Her willingness to do the dirty work—setting hard screens, fighting for rebounds, and defending the opposition’s best players—has earned her the respect of teammates and coaches alike. Head coach Christie Sides praised Cunningham’s “fearlessness and commitment to the team,” noting that her presence has helped change the team’s identity.

Statistically, Cunningham has contributed across the board, averaging solid numbers in points, rebounds, and assists. But her true value lies in the intangibles: the energy she brings to the floor, the way she rallies her teammates, and her readiness to stand up for the Fever’s young stars.

The Caitlin Clark Effect

No discussion of the Fever’s season would be complete without mentioning Caitlin Clark. The rookie sensation has brought unprecedented attention to the WNBA, drawing sellout crowds and national television audiences. With that attention has come increased scrutiny—and, at times, targeted physical play from opponents.

Cunningham’s role as Clark’s protector has been crucial. “I’m not going to let anyone take liberties with our players,” Cunningham said in a recent interview. “We’re a team, and we have each other’s backs.”

Clark, for her part, has welcomed Cunningham’s support, crediting her veteran teammate with helping her adjust to the rigors of the pro game. “Sophie’s always there when things get chippy,” Clark said. “She’s tough, she’s fearless, and she’s a big reason why we’re competing every night.”

A League on the Rise

The Vanloo-Cunningham moment may have started as a physical tangle, but it ended as a reminder of the respect and camaraderie that define the WNBA. As the league continues to grow in popularity and intensity, these moments—both the confrontations and the reconciliations—will shape its future.

For the Indiana Fever, having a player like Sophie Cunningham means never having to worry about being pushed around. For fans, it means every game is a little more exciting, a little more unpredictable, and a lot more fun to watch.

As the season unfolds, expect more fireworks, more physicality, and, hopefully, more moments of laughter amid the chaos. After all, that’s what makes basketball great—on any level.