Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton was in attendance for Friday’s thrilling matchup between the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and it’s clear that Caitlin Clark left a lasting impression on him.
Throughout the game, Haliburton couldn’t help but express his admiration for Clark, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight her incredible performance after she racked up 16 points and five assists by halftime. However, there was one moment that truly blew him away.
Early in the second quarter, Clark delivered an unbelievable transition pass to teammate Kelsey Mitchell from nearly three-fourths of the court. Despite the distance, the ball landed perfectly in Mitchell’s hands, allowing her to seamlessly finish with an open layup. A new camera angle of the play captured Haliburton’s reaction as he stood up in disbelief, his hands on his head, visibly stunned by Clark’s flawless execution.
pic.twitter.com/oLfx68WVyP that pass to Kelsey was the definition of playmaker. Kelsey was behind the leverage on the fastbreak, Caitlin threw her open.
— Mily (@DayDreamThis) August 17, 2024
After the game, Haliburton made sure to show his respect for Clark, as the two were seen sharing a hug before the Fever guard headed to the locker room.
Clark finished the game with an impressive stat line of 29 points, five rebounds, and 10 assists, leading the Fever to a 98-89 victory over the Mercury. Kelsey Mitchell also played a key role in the win, contributing 28 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
To add to the excitement, Clark made history during the game, becoming the first rookie in WNBA history to record at least 450 points and 200 assists in a season. She’s also just the sixth player ever to achieve such a feat in a single campaign.
All in all, it was a remarkable return to WNBA action for Clark and the Fever following the Olympic break, with her extraordinary play continuing to captivate fans and fellow athletes alike.
