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A<\/span>s the Indiana Pacers<\/strong> gear up for their showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/strong>, it’s not just Tyrese Haliburton<\/strong> or Obi Toppin<\/strong> turning heads-WNBA<\/strong> rookie phenom Caitlin Clark<\/strong><\/a> is stealing the spotlight without ever stepping onto the hardwood.<\/p>\n Before Game 1 tipped off, Pacers forward Obi Toppin couldn’t stop gushing<\/strong> about the Indiana Fever’s No. 1 pick<\/strong>. “Caitlin’s amazing. Super amazing,”<\/em> 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.”<\/em><\/p>\n In fact, Clark has become a courtside fixture during the Pacers’ playoff run<\/strong>-and possibly a good luck charm. The Pacers<\/a> are undefeated in all seven games she’s attended<\/strong>, a stat fans are starting to take very seriously.<\/p>\n Her off-court influence runs deep<\/strong>. According to Toppin, she’s grown close with Haliburton and his wife<\/strong>, chats with players regularly, and has even trained with them. “It’s a joy to have her there. She’s part of the family,”<\/em> he added.<\/p>\n Ben Sheppard<\/strong> 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.”<\/em><\/p>\n Even as a quadriceps injury temporarily sidelines Clark from WNBA action<\/strong>, her impact in Indianapolis is undeniable. Since her arrival as the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft<\/strong>, she’s become not just a superstar athlete but a unifying force in the city’s sports scene<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Toppin, who publicly congratulated Clark on her Rookie of the Year<\/strong> award last fall, summed it up best: “We’re gonna keep supporting each other and do great things.”<\/em><\/p>\n And if Clark keeps showing up courtside, maybe the Pacers<\/a> will too-like, say, NBA Champions<\/strong> great.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nClark is more than just a Pacers fan<\/h2>\n
Support will continue to flow from both sides<\/h2>\n