Indiana Pacers All‑Star Tyrese Haliburton praises Caitlin Clark’s third career triple‑double after her 20‑10‑10 masterpiece that led the Indiana Fever to a 93–58 season‑opening victory over the Chicago Sky.
Under the glowing lights of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Clark and Reese reignited their storied rivalry in front of a sold‑out crowd of 17,274 spectators. With a flagrant foul and a bit of barbs between the two WNBA stars, the atmosphere was charged with tension, thrill, and impeccable play from both Indiana and Chicago.
On top of that, the Fever guard’s transcendent play and Haliburton’s public admiration signaled a new era of cross‑league camaraderie and mutual respect between NBA and WNBA franchises.
But, it was the NBA All-Star from the Pacers who stole the spotlight alongside the Indiana Fever rookie in the season opener.
Tyrese Haliburton Declares To Be There for Clark
From the first whistle at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025, it was clear this night belonged to Clark. By halftime, the rookie phenom had already disrupted the Sky’s defensive schemes, collecting points and rebounds with the poise of a veteran.
As the third quarter unfolded, tensions flared when Clark absorbed a hard drive by former college rival Reese, resulting in a flagrant foul that briefly halted the Fever’s surge and drew gasps from the crowd.
But any momentum the Sky gained in was washed away by Clark’s all‑around brilliance, culminating in her third WNBA triple‑double and cementing Indiana’s 93–58 victory in Game 1.
Courtside, Pacers’ guard Haliburton didn’t simply cheer—he took to ESPN’s broadcast to champion Clark’s performance.
“She’s just so amazing at what she does. I love being here to support her in any way that I can. We’re just two point guards trying to lead our group to something special, so any way I can support her, I’ll be here,” Haliburton told Holly Rowe during the fourth quarter, eyes wide at Clark’s court vision and scoring touch.
Athlon Sports reported that the Pacers guard went on to admit that he studied Clark’s playmaking.
“There are different angles she tries, and more passes she’s willing to do than I am. I think vice versa, it works the same way. I watch everything, and with her being in town, it definitely helps to take more ideas.”
The mutual support between the Pacers and Fever has become one of the NBA/WNBA’s most compelling off‑court storylines.
What’s Next for Haliburton and Clark?
During the Indiana vs. Chicago Game 1, the Fever star’s triple‑double was more than a stat line—it was a declaration that the ‘Caitlin Clark effect’ shows no signs of slowing.
Now, the Fever head to square off against the Atlanta Dream on May 20 in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, while the Pacers prepare for their upcoming game of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 22, set against the New York Knicks.
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But all eyes in Indiana—and across basketball—will remain fixed on Caitlin Clark. If her first two seasons are any indication, this young star’s arc is only just beginning, and she already has one of the league’s best in Tyrese Haliburton cheering her on.