Indianapolis is buzzing, and it’s not just about the Indiana Pacers’ thrilling playoff run. A fascinating trend has emerged: the Pacers are a perfect 8-0 in home playoff games when Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark is in attendance.
This remarkable statistic has not gone unnoticed, and Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has finally weighed in on what many are affectionately calling “The Caitlin Clark Effect.”
Tyrese Haliburton Discusses Caitlin Clark’s Effect and Their Growing Friendship
In an article by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Haliburton discussed how Clark’s presence has seemingly translated to success for the Pacers, the NBA counterpart of the Fever.
“Trust me, I know (the Caitlin Clark effect). And if I didn’t know it, everyone would make sure that I did,” he said.
The Pacers have delivered an electrifying playoff run, knocking out the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks, with each series featuring Haliburton game-winners and dramatic Indiana comebacks.
Clark’s presence may continue to be felt at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during Pacers games, as the two point guards, who are the faces of Indiana’s basketball teams, hope to remain in the state for the long haul.
“Ty and I would both tell you this is where we both hope to stay the rest of our careers,” Clark said. “People are like, ‘It’s a small market.’ But no, that’s what makes it fun. These people, this is what means the world to them. We haven’t hosted a Finals game in 25 years, and I’ve never seen this type of excitement. People are lining up three hours before the game. I literally just got the chills thinking about it.”
Inside the friendship (and intense group chat) between the Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton. https://t.co/KuNiQp9B6x
— ESPN Women’s Hoops (@ESPN_WomenHoop) June 13, 2025
Haliburton has been a driving force behind the Pacers’ playoff success. This postseason, he’s averaging 20.5 points, 10.2 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game, consistently orchestrating the Pacers’ potent offense and hitting clutch shot after clutch shot. Meanwhile, Clark, despite the Fever’s struggles, continues to show flashes of her generational talent in her second season, averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game.
The two have also developed a mentor-like relationship. Haliburton has helped Clark with getting free during full-court pressure and playing in transition. Clark, in turn, encouraged Haliburton to stay aggressive, regardless of how opposing defenses try to disrupt him.
Haliburton and Clark are close friends and share a group chat with Jade Jones and Connor McCaffery, their respective partners, where Haliburton said they talk “24/7.”