When Caitlin Clark stepped back onto the court after a three-week injury layoff, her performance was nothing short of extraordinary. But according to her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, there may have been more than just physical recovery fuelling her return.
In Saturday June 14’s highly anticipated matchup against the undefeated New York Liberty, the Indiana Fever guard delivered a sensational performance, scoring 32 points, dishing out nine assists, collecting eight rebounds, and blocking two shots.
She also made seven three-pointers – leading the Fever to a commanding 102-88 win that shattered New York’s perfect 9-0 start to the 2025 WNBA season, a statement for Indiana, but a personal triumph for the 23-year-old.
Following the game, she posted a series of photos to Instagram with the caption, “good to be back.” But it was McCaffery‘s comment, just eleven minutes later, that caught attention: “BELLA!!!!!”
Though seemingly simple, the word, Spanish for “beautiful”, may have had layered meaning. It wasn’t just an affectionate remark; it was a tribute to Clark‘s new Nike Kobe 6 Protro PE sneakers, a custom colorway named “The Bellas” after her dog.
“Caitlin Clark is debuting her new Nike Kobe 6 Protro PE’s ‘The Bellas’ in honor of her dog, Bella, today against New York,” the Fever posted on X.com, formerly Twitter, adding extra context for fans.
And the emotional symbolism of her sneakers was one of the defining moments of her return, featuring a peach, pink, and gold colorway featuring a printed image of her dog Bella on the insole – a design that Clark and Nike developed to honor her pet.
McCaffery‘s enthusiastic comment on Instagram appears to acknowledge that this tribute may have had an impact beyond the surface with the dog’s symbolic presence potentially giving her a special edge.
The couple, who met as student-athletes at the University of Iowa, have remained close despite their demanding careers. McCaffery, now an assistant coach for Butler University’s men’s basketball team, has consistently shown support for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year both publicly and privately.
Since going public with their relationship in August 2023, the pair have frequently been seen attending events and sharing encouraging messages online.
Clark return saves Fever season
Clark‘s return, underpinned by both high performance and personal meaning, comes at a crucial time for the Fever; who had been struggling to find rhythm earlier in the season, looked reinvigorated against the Liberty.
With a record-setting 17 three-pointers, the game marked a high point in their 2025 campaign so far and earned them their fifth win of the campaign as they moved into third in the Eastern Conference.
Looking ahead, the Fever will take on the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday, June 17 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse from 19:00 ET/16:00 PT as Stephanie White‘s Indiana take on her old team.
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