Sophie Cunningham rips refs over Paige Bueckers whistles: ‘S—t is so annoying’

Sophie Cunningham criticized referees for giving favorable treatment to WNBA rookie Paige Bueckers during the Indiana Fever's narrow 81-80 loss to the Dallas Wings. On her podcast "Show Me Something," Cunningham expressed frustration, stating that Bueckers received excessive foul calls ("every freakin’ whistle"), making it difficult for defenders to touch her without being penalized. While praising Bueckers as a "helluva player" and future "GOAT" or Hall of Famer, Cunningham called the level of preferential treatment "crazy" and lamented the inconsistency compared to calls for Fever guards.

Bueckers, the 2025 No. 1 draft pick, scored 16 points in the game but shot only 6-for-19 from the field. She went to the free-throw line twice, making all four shots, while drawing fouls from the Fever's backcourt. Both Cunningham and Lexie Hull committed four fouls each during the game.

This season, Bueckers averages 4.2 free throw attempts per game over 26 games, making 3.7. She has recorded eight free throw attempts in a single game twice, including once against the Fever on August 1st and once against the Sky on July 9th.

Cunningham has a history of openly criticizing WNBA officiating. She was previously fined $1,500 by the league for comments about referees made on the first episode of her podcast. The Fever, who had multiple complaints about the officiating in Tuesday's loss, finished the regular season with a 3-1 record against the Wings.