Cameras Caught Sophie Cunningham During National Anthem — Then Fans Noticed Angel Reese & Dream [VIDEOS]
Sophie Cunningham vs. Angel Reese during the Anthem.
Sophie Cunningham, Caitlin Clark, and the Fever took on Angel Reese and the Dream over the weekend. It was a drama-filled game that had everything from missed layups to players laughing at their opponents.
Cunningham has become even more popular this year after speaking with ESPN about transgender individuals. She stated transgender women should not compete in women’s sports or share female locker rooms, calling her stance “common sense” to protect young girls.
She added that she does not hate the trans community and wants to extend love. Cunningham later said online, “I said what I said,” before moving on to focus on her season and other activities.
Now she is being praised for what she did on Sunday.
Sophie Cunningham’s Hand-on-Heart Moment Steals the Spotlight Before Fever-Dream Clash
Sophie Cunningham (Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)
Television cameras caught a striking contrast between the two teams during the pre-game ceremony. Sophie Cunningham displayed sincere patriotism on the court. Meanwhile, Angel Reese and her teammates completely avoided the traditional pre-game national anthem presentation.
The entire roster of the Atlanta Dream remained inside their locker room while the song played. Sophie Cunningham stood tall on the court with her hand over her heart during the National Anthem.
As a result, the contrast between Sophie Cunningham’s respectful pose and the Dream’s absence sparked intense online debate. The Fever players lined up proudly while the home team chose not to appear.
Fever Defeated The Dream in Overtime
Aug 16, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and forward Makayla Timpson (21) react against the Atlanta Dream during overtime at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Colin Hubbard-Imagn Images
The Indiana Fever pulled off an epic 95-91 overtime comeback victory against the Atlanta Dream. Caitlin Clark led the charge with 26 points and 9 assists. Kelsey Mitchell and Makayla Timpson each added 20 points, with Timpson setting a new career high.
Aliyah Boston also put up a stellar 18 points, 14 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 blocks. The Fever overcame a double-digit deficit to erase an Atlanta lead and eventually win in overtime.
Sophie Cunningham played a vital complementary role while celebrating her 30th birthday. She only had three points but delivered a massive go-ahead and-1 play late in the fourth quarter.
