The Indiana Pacers are returning to the NBA Finals for the first time in a quarter-century, and while their on-court success has been spearheaded by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, there’s an off-court figure who’s quickly becoming a fan-favorite symbol of their run – Caitlin Clark.
Clark, the electrifying rookie for the Indiana Fever, has emerged as a beacon of basketball energy in Indianapolis. Her support for the Pacers during their postseason journey has coincided with an impressive unbeaten record.
Indiana is a perfect 7-0 in playoff games when Clark has been in attendance, reinforcing the idea that she may be a lucky charm for the franchise.
Clark has made several appearances courtside at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home to both the Fever and the Pacers, cheering on Haliburton and his teammates.
The pair share a mutual admiration and friendship off the court, with Clark frequently showing her support during this historic playoff stretch.
Pacers end 25-year wait with Clark courtside again
Clark was present for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals as Indiana clinched the series against the New York Knicks, earning a spot in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.
She sat beside fellow Fever stars Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull, drawing attention during TNT’s celebrity camera segment. Initially ducking away from the spotlight, Clark eventually gave fans a wave, providing a lighthearted highlight to an intense night.
“It’s great being in Indianapolis right now,” Clark told ESPN. “People are loving basketball. It’s always been a basketball state. It’s just fun to be a part of.”
With Clark in the stands, Indiana has taken down heavyweight opponents throughout the postseason, dispatching the Milwaukee Bucks 4-1, the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1, and now the Knicks 4-2.
Their Finals matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder begins Thursday, June 5, with Game 1 set to take place on the road.
While the Pacers prepare for their shot at a first-ever NBA title, the Fever are managing a rough patch without Clark on the court.
She’s been sidelined with an injury, and the team has struggled, losing two straight games and suffering additional backcourt injuries. Still, Clark‘s influence on the Indiana basketball scene is undeniable.
This season has also seen a surge in crossover support between NBA and WNBA fanbases in the city. Clark’s emergence, paired with the Pacers‘ resurgence, has made Indianapolis the epicenter of professional basketball excitement.
Whether it’s her leadership with the Fever or her impact from the sidelines, Caitlin Clark continues to shine as a unifying figure in Indiana sports culture-undefeated in spirit and presence.
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