Natasha Cloud gave the WNBA world the biggest headline from the Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky clash on Sunday at Wintrust Arena, overshadowing Caitlin Clark’s career-high eight three-pointers and Kelsey Mitchell’s 30-point performance.
Following a heated third-quarter exchange with the former NBA center Enes Kanter that led to his ejection, Cloud opted out of postgame press duties, leaving her team’s officials to handle the aftermath of the drama. However, fans were far from thrilled after seeing an empty seat at the table.
Natasha Cloud’s Post-Game Absence Following Courtside Clash With Enes Kanter Triggers Backlash
With just 1:22 left in the third quarter, Cloud drove hard through the lane, converting a tough layup over Clark. But the celebration was short-lived.
After a quick celebratory chest bump with teammate Aicha Coulibaly, Cloud’s attention switched from the scoreboard to the baseline, where Kante sat wearing a black T-shirt that read, “WOMAN: adult human female,” a deliberate attempt to challenge the WNBA policies on self-identification and inclusion.
This move followed Kanter’s recent stunt, in which he declared himself eligible for the 2027 WNBA draft per league guidelines.
Cloud and Kanter exchanged some heated words, prompting officials, security, and the Sky’s bench to intervene. While being escorted off the floor, Kanter stretched his arms out, pointed to his T-shirt, and responded to the crowd’s jeers.
After the game, beat writer Tony East reported that Cloud met with security and declined to attend the postgame conference.
“Natasha Cloud met with team and league security after the game and will not speak with the media,” East reported.
Natasha Cloud met with team and league security after the game and will not speak with the media.
— Tony East (@TonyREast) August 24, 2026
Publicly affirming her support for the trans community, Cloud posted on threads, ”To every trans kid/person, You are a part of MY community and tribe. You belong. You’re loved. You’re seen. You’re perfect as you are. And you will always be protected by me.”
While Cloud voiced support, her decision to skip the press conference drew sharp reactions across social media.
One critic tweeted, “Natasha Cloud should be suspended for instigating and yelling at Enes. Enes was just standing there.”
Natasha Cloud should be suspended for instigating and yelling at Enes. Enes was just standing there.
— Anti-violence (@TheRealStoryPlz) August 24, 2026
“lol what a circus,” a fan wrote.
lol what a circus
— Rico man (@rod_roots) August 24, 2026
Another critic posted, “Fakest victim in the world.”
Fakest victim in the world. https://t.co/GeR4eQGZQ4
— Sunny Days☀️ (@Sunny083193) August 24, 2026
Chicago Sky head coach, Tyler Marsh, addressed reporters in the veteran guard’s absence and defended her.
“I haven’t talked to Tash. I talked to the team, and Tash didn’t wanna feel like she was a distraction. I told her she wasn’t,” Marsh told reporters at the post-game press conference.
“I told her that we all embrace her as someone that protects our team and protects people that need to be protected. Tash is always going to stand on that, and we stand for Tash.”
Cloud posted 16 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds on 7-of-9 shooting in 30 minutes, but Chicago fell 113-90 against the Indiana Fever.
Despite the controversy, Cloud’s actions have kept the spotlight on the ongoing debates within the WNBA. Her support for the transgender community and commitment to her values continue to spark discussion both on and off the court.
