Every player involved in the WNBA Finals left the court before the national anthem was sung in yet another controversial, rule-breaking moment that has left fans furious.

The Atlanta Dream secured a win over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 2 of the championship series in San Francisco, but it was what happened before tipoff that had people talking the most.

As was the case ahead of Game 1 two nights earlier, the players defied league rules and sparked a blistering reaction on social media by strolling off the court before Alanis Morissette performed The Star Spangled Banner.

Cameras showed players from both teams heading to the locker room minutes before the rousing display of patriotism, leaving a near-empty court devoid of its stars. 

It's not exactly clear what led to the two teams leaving the court, however it is far from the first time it has happened this year.

According to the league's official rulebook, the players are required to stand and line up during the performance.

The WNBA did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment on this issue, where they were asked if the teams could face punishment for their display.

Fans on social media expressed their anger at the players, with one writing: 'Why is the WNBA getting any publicity at this point? The end of this season can't happen soon enough.'

Another said, 'Second straight game. Same WNBA. Same disgraceful behavior.'

One user even suggested the players should be 'pelted with the green dildoes when they return to the court.'

This is not the first time this season the Dream have walked off the court for the anthem. The team has not explicitly explained their reason for doing so previously this season.

The Dream do have a history with staying off the court for the anthem dating back to previous seasons as well. In 2020, the team protested the anthem at the height of the George Floyd protests and included messaging from the WNBPA in their game notes to explain their reasons.

Their statement said that 'the anthem does not represent freedom, justice and liberty for all Americans'.

It's important to note that no one on this year's Dream roster was a member of the roster in 2020. 

As for the game itself, Angel Reese and the Dream managed to even the series at 1-1 with a 79-65 win over Golden State.

Reese became the third player in WNBA history with at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game with her 30-point, 16 board performance.

The series will now shift to Atlanta for Game 3, which takes place on Wednesday.