Indianapolis

It’s hard to truly grasp what Caitlyn Clark experiences on and off the court.

The 23-year-old star of the WNBA is always in the spotlight, whether from fans, the media, or as part of the Indiana Fever, one of the city’s most notable basketball teams.

But, of course, she’s not the only pro talent making waves in Indianapolis. Tyrese Halliburton and the Pacers are also in the spotlight as they compete in their first NBA Finals since 2000.

This spring, Clark and Halliburton turned Indianapolis into a basketball hub, much like last year.

As the Pacers progressed through the playoffs, Clark was a constant figure in the mix.

Fast forward to the Fever’s start of the 2025 season, and Halliburton was right there courtside, having just returned from his Olympic trip to Paris.

While Halliburton might not have the same level of fame off the court as Clark, their similar gameplay has built a connection between them. He’s not just a friend, but someone with whom Clark can discuss basketball openly.

“I was actually texting him after my last game in Atlanta,” Clark mentioned just before their weekend matchup against the Liberty. “We have group chats, and we talk about a range of topics… He’s a good friend, and it’s nice to share thoughts on basketball while keeping it lighthearted.”

Earlier this year, when the Pacers were in France, Halliburton was asked about his friendship with Clark, and he had some warm words for her, echoing his admiration (H/T)

“I’ve said it many times, Caitlyn is incredible,” Halliburton said. “Spending time with her, knowing her personally, she’s not just a great player but a great person as well. It’s tough when there’s so much chatter around her that she can’t control.”

“It’s impressive seeing all that she’s accomplished. We’ve gotten close over the past year. Honestly, I don’t think she needs my help, but I feel lucky to have her so nearby.”

On the court, they could also glean insights from each other, with both players enhancing strategies that align with their skills. The Fever and the Pacers heavily rely on their point guards in their game plans.

This reliance has also made them prime targets for opposing teams. To kick off the season, Clark faced defense strategies designed to limit her touch, similar to those employed against Halliburton and the Pacers’ dynamic plays.

Fortunately for Clark, she has a solid support system to help her navigate challenges.

“Opponents are keen to get the ball out of his hands quickly, and he shared this with me as well,” Clark reflected. “The key is finding that balance while helping teammates understand. It’s challenging for defenses because he’s such a skilled passer.”

Before Clark’s injury, Fever had the highest pace in the league, while the Pacers also ranked high in postseason and regular season pacing. Their fast-paced approach, led by two guards eager to play aggressively, makes their teams exciting to watch.

This offseason, the Fever revamped their roster to enhance their competitiveness, mirroring the Pacers’ drive for improvement, as both squads have had various players step up during the playoffs.

“We’re quite similar to the Pacers in our style,” Fever head coach Stephanie White noted. “We aim to play quickly, using our bench to our advantage. We might not outpace teams in the earlier quarters, but we can pick up the tempo in the fourth.”

Ultimately, both teams thrive when their point guards shine. Their progress plays a crucial role in each franchise’s championship aspirations.

While many may share a connection with Caitlyn Clark, it’s fortunate for her that Halliburton, living in the same city and developing a close friendship, provides her with invaluable support, even if it’s just through casual group messages.