Indiana may be known for its basketball heritage, but right now, it’s the bond between two of its brightest stars, Caitlin Clark and Tyrese Haliburton, that is making headlines, even beyond the court.
Amid Haliburton‘s daunting Achilles injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Clark‘s unexpected companionship and enduring support have become a lifeline during rehab, showcasing the profound power of friendship in professional sport.
Haliburton, facing an arduous path to full recovery after his Achilles tear late in the postseason, emphasized to local media the significance of having a familiar and understanding presence by his side:
“It’s been important just to have somebody to lean on and talk to,” he shared during an interview. “I think we’ve grown the relationship to where we can talk about more than just basketball. Obviously, we connect a lot through basketball.”
He continued, “It sucks that she’s been hurt as long as she has,” adding that “even in our recovery, we lift at the same time, so it’s just us two in the weight room. We spend a lot of time together. I guess it’s a good thing, but I wish that she was playing. I think it’s just good to have each other to lean on at a time like right now.”
Their connection isn’t just emotional, it’s entrenched in shared experiences. Both athletes find themselves navigating rehab and the immense pressure that accompanies their superstar status.
Clark, dealing with her own injury setbacks, and Haliburton often cross paths at recovery facilities, forging camaraderie beyond typical teammate interactions.
Mutual support across courts
Clark, though sidelined with injuries, has remained fiercely present, often courtside at Pacers games as Haliburton battles in the playoffs. In a moment that resonated across the NBA world, she tweeted after his stunning Finals Game 1 buzzer-beater back in June: “YOU CANT MAKE IT UP”.
Clark was later seen standing in the tunnel as Haliburton sealed a Game 5 win with a dagger layup in overtime.
“It was crazy, I was down in the tunnel watching,” she said afterward. “One of the best finishes I’ve ever been a part of… It’s been incredible to see the state rally around them and also how they support us…”
Their friendship even extends to their personal lives, rooted in a “24/7” group chat that includes their significant others. “We’re talking 24/7,” Haliburton mentioned, reflecting on how they lean on each other both on and off the hardwood.
Clark‘s actions go beyond support; she’s preserving moments. Recalling his clutch shots, Haliburton revealed, “She was going crazy!” after Clark privately recorded her reaction to one of his playoff game winners. Though she’ll likely never share the video, he says it lives on in their group chat.
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