Full Breakdown
Carrington Ejected After Flagrant 2 Foul on Cunningham
8/9/2026, 12:24:27 PM
Incident Overview
During the first quarter of a Chicago Sky–Indiana Fever matchup, Indiana guard Sophie Cunningham drove on a fast break and made a layup. As she rose, Sky forward DiJonai Carrington struck Cunningham’s head with her left arm. The contact caused Cunningham to fall, after which the two players exchanged words before officials intervened. After a review, the officials assessed a Flagrant 2 foul on Carrington, resulting in her ejection from the game.
Background & Context
DiJonai Carrington entered her sixth WNBA season and her first with Chicago after four successful years with the Connecticut Sun, where she contributed to a 106-44 record and a 2024 WNBA Finals appearance. In 2024 she earned All-Defensive First Team and Most Improved Player honors. The Sky were missing starter Sydney Taylor due to injury and were attempting to climb back into playoff contention, trailing the postseason line by five to six games. The Fever, meanwhile, were seeking to halt a two-game losing streak and improve their standing in the playoff race.
Game Impact & Statistics
Before the ejection, Carrington had scored eight points on perfect shooting (3-of-3 field goals, 1-of-1 free throws) in four minutes, helping Chicago hold a 23-22 lead at the end of the quarter. Cunningham finished the first quarter with three points. After the incident, Indiana capitalized on a 53-42 lead in the second quarter and ultimately secured a 90-86 victory. Indiana guard Kelsey Mitchell posted a game-high 27 points, while teammate Caitlin Clark added 26 points and 11 assists.
Official Review & Decision
Game officials reviewed the play, determined that Carrington’s contact was excessive, and issued a Flagrant 2 foul. The penalty mandated Carrington’s immediate removal from the contest, and Indiana was awarded a free possession, though the Fever missed both resulting shots.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source describes the game as occurring on Saturday, while another refers to it as a Sunday matchup. The articles otherwise agree on the foul, ejection, and final score, but the exact day of the contest remains unclear.
