Sidelined Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham Gesture at Officials During Fever Playoff Game
Injured Indiana stars protested a perceived missed traveling call from the bench as the Fever evened their series with the Atlanta Dream
Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, both sidelined with season-ending injuries, drew attention from the bench Tuesday night when they made a demonstrative gesture protesting a missed traveling call on an Atlanta Dream player during the Indiana Fever's playoff game.
The gesture, made during the first quarter, was captured on television and circulated widely on social media. Later in the game, when officials did call a traveling violation on the Dream, Clark was again seen mimicking the same gesture in a seemingly playful response.
The Fever defeated the Dream to even the series at one game apiece, setting up a winner-take-all deciding contest on Thursday for the right to advance in the WNBA playoffs. Clark and Cunningham, who have been unavailable for the remainder of the season because of their injuries, remained on the sideline throughout Tuesday's game and were frequently shown on camera.
Both players had been among Indiana's most prominent figures this season before sustaining injuries that forced them out ahead of the postseason. Their visible reactions and repeated gesture during the game drew immediate attention from fans and commentators, and video of the exchange prompted widespread sharing on platforms including X.
Officials called the travel later in the contest following the initial bench protest, after which Clark's imitated motion was again visible. Indiana's bench activity and the vocal support of sidelined players have been a noted feature of the Fever's postseason entrance, even as the team navigates key lineup absences.
The Fever and Dream will meet in the decisive Game 3 on Thursday with the winner advancing to the next round. With Clark and Cunningham ruled out for the season, Indiana will rely on remaining roster members and the team's depth to navigate the winner-take-all matchup.
Game times and broadcast information for the deciding game were unchanged following Tuesday's result. The WNBA and team officials did not provide additional comment about the bench gestures or the injuries beyond previous announcements confirming both players would not return this season.