WNBA

Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton expresses surprise at Caitlin Clark’s standout performances for the Fever

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton showed his admiration and surprise at the remarkable level of play displayed by Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark, acknowledging her growing influence on the game.

Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates with Pascal Siakam #43 and Aaron Nesmith #23 after making a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs
© JASON MILLERTyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates with Pascal Siakam #43 and Aaron Nesmith #23 after making a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs

The Indiana Pacers are enjoying a well-earned break after cruising past the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 4-1 series win to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. With time on his hands, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton took the opportunity to attend the Indiana Fever‘s 2025 season opener—where rising WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark once again stole the show.

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Haliburton, 25, didn’t attend just for the spotlight. He was there with a purpose: to support greatness. “She’s just so amazing at what she does. I love being here to support her,” Haliburton told ESPN’s Holly Rowe during the game. His admiration for Clark’s game was evident as he watched courtside.

And for good reason. Clark delivered a triple-double in the opener, continuing her rapid ascent as one of the most electrifying players in women’s basketball. Still just early in her pro career, Clark is already rewriting record books and proving she’s destined to stand among the game’s greats—if health remains on her side.

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Haliburton even admitted that he draws direct inspiration from Clark’s game. The All-Star guard praised her vision, creativity, and decision-making. “There’s different angles she tries and there’s more passes she’s willing to do than I am,” he said. “I watch everything. Her being a talent definitely helps. I take more ideas.”

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Clark was sensational against the Chicago Sky, recording 20 points and 10 rebounds in just 32 minutes. The second-year guard also punctuated the first half with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, igniting the home crowd and helping the Fever blow the game wide open.

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Haliburton, known for his elite passing, admitted that Clark’s flair and boldness with the ball push him to expand his own approach. It’s not often you hear a rising NBA star take cues from a WNBA player, but in Clark’s case, her impact transcends leagues.

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Clark’s triple-double was her third in just 41 career games, accounting for nearly 20 percent of all triple-doubles in WNBA history, according to StatMuse. The Fever star now ties WNBA legend Candace Parker for the third-most career triple-doubles—and she’s only getting started.

More impressively, Clark is now the fastest player in WNBA history to reach three triple-doubles. She continues to defy expectations, inspire future stars, and gain respect from established pros like Haliburton—who made it clear: Caitlin Clark isn’t just a breakout star. She’s a generational force.

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