Caitlin Clark‘s preseason debut with the Indiana Fever wasn’t just about the scoreboard. While she poured in 17 points in less than 19 minutes against Brazil in a dominant 108-44 victory, it was a brief, lighthearted moment on the bench that truly caught the attention of fans-and social media.
The clip showed Clark, flanked by teammates Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull, calmly observing the game.
That still image, shared widely across X (formerly Twitter), instantly reminded fans of a previous video where the trio had walked together in lockstep, prompting playful suggestions that Cunningham and Hull had taken on the role of Clark’s “blonde bodyguards.”
This time, Cunningham herself couldn’t resist joining in the fun. Instead of directly addressing the nickname, she humorously deflected with a joke about the snack she was enjoying during the moment.
“One could possibly believe that was the best starburst I’ve ever eaten, my gosh,” she posted on X.
That single tweet only added fuel to the viral fire, with fans continuing to run with the “bodyguard” narrative as Clark settles into her new role in the WNBA.
But beneath the playful banter lies a genuine connection forming between these three players-one that could become vital to the Fever’s success this season.
Team chemistry already taking root in Indiana
Since the start of training camp, Clark, Cunningham, and Hull have been seen sharing laughs and creating strong off-court bonds. The trio also happens to represent some of the team’s best outside shooting options-an important tool as Indiana looks to turn around its fortunes in 2025.
That chemistry was further spotlighted when Clark responded to another viral moment involving Cunningham. During an earlier interview, Cunningham accidentally described playing for the Fever as “a fresh of breath air.”
Instead of brushing it off, she doubled down with humor, later posting a carousel of photos in her Fever uniform with the caption, “a fresh of breath air.”
Clark couldn’t help but applaud her teammate’s commitment to the bit.
“Not only did you double down … your triple down that this was the correct saying,” she commented on the post.
The connection off the court is translating into cohesion on the court. On Sunday, Clark headlined the starting five, while Cunningham became the first off the bench, scoring six points in just over 11 minutes. Hull, meanwhile, played a supportive role on both ends of the floor.
This growing camaraderie could be a game-changer for the Fever, a team that finished near the bottom of the standings last season but now enters 2025 with renewed hope.
With Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and NaLyssa Smith also returning, and Clark at the helm of a new-look backcourt, Indiana’s playoff ambitions aren’t out of reach.
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