The Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever have become increasingly connected in recent years, thanks to the exciting runs both teams have made, headlined by their brightest stars: Tyrese Haliburton and Caitlin Clark. The growing chemistry between the two franchises, with both players energizing the city, is something Pacers and Fever fans have long dreamed of.
Now, with the Pacers in the NBA Finals, a fun crossover question has emerged among the players: Who would win a 1-on-1 game against Caitlin Clark? And their answers might surprise you.
3 Pacers Players Claim to Outplay Caitlin Clark in 1-on-1 Matchup
During post-practice media availability at the NBA Finals, Pacers players Andrew Nembhard, Thomas Bryant, T.J. McConnell, Ben Sheppard, and Bennedict Mathurin were asked who would win in a 1-on-1 matchup against Clark.
In a video posted on X by @Clarkzn, fans got to see all of their candid responses.
Bryant said he would beat Clark, but it would be a close matchup, finishing 12–11. Nembhard and Sheppard weren’t nearly as humble. In Nembhard’s eyes, he’d take the game 12–2, while Sheppard gave Clark a couple more points, predicting a 12–4 victory.
pacers players got asked who would win if they play caitlin 1 on 1 ðŸ˜
bryant – W, 11-12
nembhard – W, 12-2
sheppard – W, 12-4tj mcconnell said i don’t know who will win but we love her in indy 😠bennedict mathurin said he doesn’t want to be in controversial convos rn ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ pic.twitter.com/c3dg5FPc7q
— cc akgae (@clrkszn) June 19, 2025
McConnell was the only player to give the Reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year her props. The ten-year veteran said, “Oh, I don’t know, it’d be a great game though, she’s a great player. I don’t know who would win and I don’t know what the score would be”
He further added, “She’s an incredible player, someone I have a ton of respect for and also a good person.” The Pacers’ backup point guard closed by saying, “We are all happy to have her in Indy, and it’s been fun to watch.”
Mathurin took a similar approach to McConnell, offering a more thoughtful and cautious answer. “That’s a great question, I love Caitlin Clark a lot… I’m not trying to be in any controversial conversations, I been through that before, but right now go Pacers and let’s get this thing done.”
MORE: Try Our Free NBA Mock Draft Simulator
Mathurin remains focused on the task at hand: helping Indiana overcome a 3–2 deficit against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While the players’ confidence is admirable, they may be underestimating the second-year WNBA star. Clark may not have the size or athleticism of some of her male counterparts, but her outside shooting is a serious weapon.
She’s currently shooting 40% from deep this season, a mark that neither Sheppard, Mathurin, Bryant, nor McConnell has matched in the regular season. Simply put: don’t let her get the ball. If she gets hot, the game could be over quickly.
