As the Indiana Pacers gear up for their showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder, it’s not just Tyrese Haliburton or Obi Toppin turning heads-WNBA rookie phenom Caitlin Clark is stealing the spotlight without ever stepping onto the hardwood.
Before Game 1 tipped off, Pacers forward Obi Toppin couldn’t stop gushing about the Indiana Fever’s No. 1 pick. “Caitlin’s amazing. Super amazing,” he said. “She brings so much energy, not just to the Fever, but to the whole city. We love watching her just as much as she loves watching us.”
In fact, Clark has become a courtside fixture during the Pacers’ playoff run-and possibly a good luck charm. The Pacers are undefeated in all seven games she’s attended, a stat fans are starting to take very seriously.
Clark is more than just a Pacers fan
Her off-court influence runs deep. According to Toppin, she’s grown close with Haliburton and his wife, chats with players regularly, and has even trained with them. “It’s a joy to have her there. She’s part of the family,” he added.
Ben Sheppard echoed the love in an interview with Marca TV: “She supports us so well. We see her around the arena all the time. Her success is inspiring, and her presence helps keep the energy up.”
Even as a quadriceps injury temporarily sidelines Clark from WNBA action, her impact in Indianapolis is undeniable. Since her arrival as the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, she’s become not just a superstar athlete but a unifying force in the city’s sports scene.
Support will continue to flow from both sides
Toppin, who publicly congratulated Clark on her Rookie of the Year award last fall, summed it up best: “We’re gonna keep supporting each other and do great things.”
And if Clark keeps showing up courtside, maybe the Pacers will too-like, say, NBA Champions great.