Sophie Cunningham confronts police during Fever's playoff win in Atlanta

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham walked to center court during a late fourth-quarter timeout in Atlanta on Thursday night, where an on-court moment with an Atlanta police officer drew attention as Indiana closed in on a playoff win over the Dream. The sequence occurred with just over four minutes remaining and Atlanta leading by six after Odyssey Sims sustained an injury that prompted the stoppage. Cunningham was joined by fellow Fever guard Caitlin Clark as they approached center court, where the police officer gestured to back up. Cunningham did not back up immediately, exchanging words with the officer before stepping back seconds later.

During the exchange, Cunningham later posted a photo of the encounter on social media with the caption, "THIS IS SOME AURA." Despite the disruption, the Fever went on to win the game and the series, earning a trip to the next round against the Las Vegas Aces.

Cunningham and Caitlin Clark, who together have been central figures for Indiana this season, are not expected to return this year due to injuries, meaning the Fever will continue their playoff run without their two biggest stars. The team has faced heightened attention on broadcasts and social media as they advanced with both players sidelined. Earlier this week, in Game 2 against the Dream, Clark and Cunningham drew widespread attention for a demonstrative gesture toward officials protesting a traveling call; when the travel was called on Atlanta, Clark was seen mimicking the gesture again in a lighthearted moment.

Indiana now shifts its focus to the next round, where they will face the Las Vegas Aces. The Fever’s path through the playoffs has continued despite Cunningham and Clark missing the remainder of the season, with the league and fans closely watching the sidelined stars as the team progresses. A third image from the night captures another angle of the moment and the players’ reactions on the bench as the game continued.