As Caitlin Clark continues to lead the Indiana Fever through her second season in the WNBA, another Hoosier State star was making waves in the NBA.
Tyrese Haliburton, the engine behind the Indiana Pacers‘ incredible postseason run, helped guide his team to their first NBA Finals appearance in over two decades. But a devastating leg injury in Game 7 cut his night short, and with it, the Pacers‘ championship hopes came to an abrupt and painful end.
In the wake of the loss, Clark showed solidarity with her fellow Indiana icon. The WNBA All-Star took to social media with a photo of Haliburton shared by the Pacers, adding four red heart emojis and four prayer hands emojis, a clear message of emotional support during what has to be a crushing time for the Pacers’ All-NBA guard.
Two Indiana stars
Clark has spent the first two seasons of her professional career turning the Indiana Fever into must-watch basketball. Her arrival last year brought record-setting crowds, spiking jersey sales, and a new wave of national attention for the Fever. With a scoring average of 19.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game, she’s helping reshape what it means to be a young superstar in the WNBA.
And now, Clark seems to be embracing becoming a unifying force for basketball in Indiana as a whole, not just her own league.
By publicly backing Haliburton, who carried the Pacers through playoff wins over the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks, Clark reminded fans that Indiana’s hoops heroes are part of a larger sports ecosystem.
While the Pacers ultimately fell short to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the city of Indianapolis was alive with playoff energy. Haliburton’s 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, and trademark poise helped put the Pacers back on the NBA map.
Unfortunately, his Game 7 exit due to injury changed the tempo and cost Indiana a shot at its first-ever NBA championship.
Fans were quick to praise Clark‘s gesture.
“Caitlin’s got that Indiana spirit. Real recognize real,” one wrote on X.
Another added: “Legends support legends. Heal up, Tyrese.”
“Clark and Haliburton are the best things to happen to Indiana sports in years,” a third noted.
The extent of Haliburton‘s injury has yet to be publicly revealed, but reports suggest it may be serious enough to require significant recovery time. Still, the NBA community has universally praised his postseason performance and leadership, with Clark now adding her voice to that chorus.
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