Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has become an unexpected, yet undeniable, lucky charm for the Indiana Pacers this NBA Finals season. Attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals courtside at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Pacers have maintained an undefeated record whenever Clark is in attendance, now leading the series 2-1 against the formidable MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite her burgeoning celebrity, Clark is known for her efforts to maintain a low profile in front of paparazzi and cameras. True to form, during the pregame festivities and her entrance into the arena, she visibly attempted to steer clear of the spotlight, preferring to simply enjoy the game as a fan.
However, her excitement couldn’t be contained during Game 3. Clark was captured on camera enthusiastically performing the signature celebration of Pacers legends Reggie Miller and Tyrese Haliburton. While breaking out the “celly” might have seemed premature given the back-and-forth nature of the game, Indiana ultimately secured a crucial 116-107 win behind a terrific fourth-quarter surge.
This celebratory moment could be seen as an extension of the Pacers’ stunning Game 1 victory in Oklahoma City, where they dramatically came back from a double-digit deficit late in the game to steal a 111-110 win on Tyrese Haliburton’s go-ahead jumper. That “choke” celebration, perhaps more apt for Game 1’s comeback, aligns with the upstart Pacers’ spirit. Clark, a close friend of Haliburton, has been sidelined with a left quad strain since May 24th, but her presence remains impactful.
The statistics supporting Clark’s “lucky amulet” status are compelling: the Indiana Pacers have remained undefeated in all eight playoff games they’ve played this year with Caitlin Clark in attendance. This perfect record has only amplified the narrative around her influence, turning her courtside appearances into a point of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
As the Pacers brace to host the league’s top team for a crucial Game 4 in Indiana, Clark’s presence will undoubtedly be a talking point. Perhaps, once she makes her return to the court with the upstart Fever, who are hoping for their own magical playoff run in September, Clark will truly unleash the “choke” celebration, bringing her unique brand of fire and good fortune back to her own team.
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