Sophie Cunningham HILARIOUSLY DESTROYS ‘Eye Poker’ Jacy Sheldon Again!
The world of women’s professional basketball is filled with high-stakes action, elite athleticism, and fierce rivalries. In recent weeks, one matchup has captured the attention of fans and media alike: the ongoing on-court duels between Phoenix Mercury’s fiery forward Sophie Cunningham and the dynamic rookie guard Jacy Sheldon of the Washington Mystics. The latest chapter in their rivalry unfolded in spectacular, and unexpectedly comedic, fashion—leading to the headline: “Sophie Cunningham HILARIOUSLY DESTROYS ‘Eye Poker’ Jacy Sheldon Again!”
But what’s behind all the buzz and bold words? Let’s explore the roots of this athletic feud, the background of both athletes, and exactly what went down in their most recent, much-discussed encounter.
Setting the Stage: Rising Stars and Building Rivalries
The WNBA is a league rich in storylines, and it’s common for competitive sparks to ignite between top-tier players. Sophie Cunningham, known for her tough defense and infectious energy, has never been one to shy away from confrontation. Since being drafted seventh overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019, Cunningham has delighted fans with her mix of swagger, defensive grit, and sharp shooting. She’s also become somewhat of a fan favorite for her candid interviews and willingness to stand up to anyone on the court.
Enter Jacy Sheldon, the blonde-haired dynamo out of Ohio State and a first-round pick for the Washington Mystics in the 2024 WNBA draft. Sheldon quickly became known for her explosive scoring, her lightning-quick hands, and, recently, her rather controversial defensive tactics. During her rookie campaign, she’s shown that she’s more than capable of holding her own against the league’s best.
But it was during a previous hard-fought matchup that Sheldon earned the nickname “Eye Poker” after a particularly physical rebound battle led to an accidental (or perhaps not-so-accidental) poke to Cunningham’s eye. It was a moment replayed countless times on social media and, rather than backing down, Cunningham seemed to relish the chance for payback.
The Rematch: Comedy in Competition
Anticipation was sky-high when the Phoenix Mercury and Washington Mystics met again, with fans eager to see if tempers—and fingers—would flare. True to her combative persona, Cunningham didn’t waste time making her presence felt, deploying both tenacity and clever theatrics to disrupt Sheldon’s rhythm.
Early in the game, Sheldon tried to drive past Cunningham, but the Mercury forward anticipated the move, intercepting the ball and sprinting down the court for a layup. Rather than simply celebrating, Cunningham paused at the baseline, performed an exaggerated “watch out for my eyes!” gesture by miming binoculars with her hands, and grinned right at Sheldon. The cameras caught it—and the crowd roared.
As the game progressed, the two competitors traded baskets, defensive stances, and a fair number of good-natured jibes. At one point, Cunningham was seen laughing and pointing at her own eyes after a contentious rebound, clearly referencing the previous incident. The on-court mic even picked up Cunningham joking, “Keeping my goggles on this time, Jacy!” in reference to the infamous eye poke.
What could have been a heated dispute instead blossomed into a showcase of mutual respect and sportsmanship, albeit with a comedic twist. The tension and physicality expected from such a rivalry were still there, but Cunningham’s willingness to poke fun at herself—and the situation—brought levity to the proceedings.
Social Media Frenzy: Fans Choose Sides
The lighthearted banter wasn’t lost on fans or analysts. Social media platforms lit up with slow-motion replays of Cunningham’s antics, side-by-side with Sheldon’s defensive efforts. Memes flooded in, from Photoshopped goggles onto Cunningham’s face to mock “Eye Poker” wanted posters featuring Sheldon’s smiling likeness.
Commentators praised both players for keeping the rivalry competitive yet good-natured. As Phoenix Mercury broadcaster Cindy Brunson remarked during the postgame recap, “This is how you do rivalry in sports—tough play, some smack talk, but at the end of the day, all respect.”
Beyond the jokes, the encounter became a talking point for how female athletes can handle competitive friction while still exemplifying sportsmanship. Numerous WNBA legends chimed in online, sharing their own stories of on-court hijinks and the importance of embracing the intense, but ultimately positive, energy of sporting competition.
Breaking Down the Game: Skill Behind the Show
It’s easy to get caught up in the theatrics, but the basketball on display was equally impressive. Cunningham finished the night with a season-high 22 points, six rebounds, and three steals—outplaying Sheldon, who posted 10 points and five assists but struggled under Cunningham’s relentless pressure.
Statistically speaking, it was a showcase for Cunningham’s development as a two-way player. On offense, she knocked down multiple three-point shots, slashed to the rim with confidence, and drew fouls. Defensively, she forced turnovers and disrupted the Mystics’ offense, holding Sheldon in check during key stretches.
Sheldon, for her part, responded with flashes of brilliance—displaying the court vision and scoring touch that made her a top draft pick. But under the bright lights and playful pressure, the rookie appeared slightly rattled, perhaps feeling the weight of both the game and the burgeoning rivalry.
What’s Next: A Rivalry for the Ages?
As the final buzzer sounded, Cunningham and Sheldon met at center court, sharing a handshake and—fittingly—a pair of faux sunglasses, which Cunningham jokingly offered to Sheldon. The moment captured by courtside photographers was shared widely, with WNBA fans hailing it as a perfect blend of competitive fire and fun.
In the post-game interview, Cunningham couldn’t resist another playful jab: “Look, we’re both out here to win and leave it all on the hardwood. But if you come for my eyes, you better be ready for me to come for your game—and maybe your sense of humor too!”
For her part, Sheldon laughed off the memes and said, “Hey, I think next time I’ll wear real goggles—just in case!”
This developing rivalry has all the ingredients to become one of the WNBA’s most beloved storylines: great basketball, memorable moments, and a reminder that, even in the heat of competition, a little humor can go a long way.
As fans look forward to the next Mercury-Mystics clash, one thing is clear: wherever Sophie Cunningham and Jacy Sheldon meet on the court, the game will be must-watch—not just for the points, but for the personalities.
