If Sophie Cunningham’s actions against Jacy Sheldon in last night’s heated Indiana-Connecticut game didn’t put opposing players on notice, they might want to do a little more research on her background.

Things got tense and physical during the Fever-Sun game last night, with Cunningham, Sheldon and Lindsay Allen all getting ejected, not to mention the flagrant and technical fouls issued by the officials.

The tension picked up in the third quarter when Caitlin Clark was poked in the eye by Sheldon while the latter was on defense. A scuffle ensued, with Marina Mabrey coming out of nowhere and shoving Clark from behind:

Clearly upset with that foul Sheldon committed against Clark, Sophie Cunningham retaliated by putting Sheldon in a chokehold while she drove to the basket:

If Cunningham’s actions there aren’t enough to scare off opposing defenders, then consider this: As noted by Fox Sports radio betting analyst Jared Smith, Cunningham has a black belt in Taekwondo that she obtained at the age of six.

Teams have been trying to rile up Caitlin Clark by getting physical on defense since she entered the league last year. But with Sophie Cunningham now at her side, Clark has an enforcer to step in and back her up when necessary.

Sophie Cunningham Is Exactly What Indiana Needs

Sophie Cunningham (Credit: Clark Wade/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
After six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, Cunningham was sent to Indiana in a four-team trade involving the Sun and Dallas Wings.

Cunningham is currently averaging 3.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game over six contests with the Fever. Her stats may not stand out right now, but Cunningham’s toughness and willingness to defend Clark when necessary will help the young star tremendously going forward.