Sophie Cunningham and Emily Engstler engaged in a heated exchange during the game between the Indiana Fever and Portland Fire on Saturday. The Fire forward made sure she sent a strong message to Cunningham during Engstler's postgame interview.
Reporters asked Engstler to share her thoughts about the heated in-game incident. She chose her words carefully and made it clear that she won't allow any disrespect. The No. 4 pick in 2022 added that she won't back down from anybody, including Cunningham.
"Listen, it's basketball," Engstler said. "But at the end of the day, I'ma put in words I'm allowed to say — no one scares me. And [Cunningham] sure doesn't. So I'm not going to stand there and let people talk to me (in) a certain way. Or hit me."
Cunningham and Engstler both received technical fouls after their heated altercation. Referees intervened to separate the two and avoid any other unnecessary actions.
Engstler and Portland had the last laugh on the night, winning 100-84. It was Indiana's second consecutive defeat that dropped its record to 4-4.
The Fire's defense made it difficult for their opponents to score, limiting Indiana to 41.5% shooting. It also held Caitlin Clark to a season-low six points on 1-for-7 from the field.
Cunningham shone as a bright spot for the Fever off the bench, producing 15 points, three rebounds and four assists. Engstler, on the other hand, finished with a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double to support Megan Gustafson's game-high 22 points on 8-for-8 shooting.
Next up for Indiana is a matchup against Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream on Thursday. The Fever must win to avoid dropping below .500 before embarking on a two-game road trip.
