Caitlin Clark theory appears true as Pacers stare down potential Finals loss

The NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder haven't been anything short of exciting. The Thunder lead the series 3-2 as it shifts back to Indianapolis for Game 6. This game will look a little different as the Pacers 'good luck charm' Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark will not be in attendance. Why is this so significant? Maybe that's because the Pacers are an astonishing 8-1 with Clark in attendance. She has captivated attention in her own league and has caught the attention of several NBA personnel.

Clark and the Fever faced their own test as they departed Wednesday for a three-game West Coast trip. The Pacers led for most of Game 4 playing at home with her in attendance. She departed early as the Fever had a big game the next day, and then the wheels fell off the bus for the Pacers. They gave up a double-digit lead with less than three minutes left in the game. The Thunder continued the momentum into Game 5, dominating much of the game as the Pacers were without a healthy Tyrese Haliburton. Clark was not in attendance for Game 5 in Oklahoma City - not surprising given the fact that the Fever are in-season.

Despite not being in Oklahoma City, Clark was there in spirit. Many noticed a fan sitting courtside in a Clark t-shirt. It almost seems as though no matter where you look, Caitlin Clark can be found.

Caitlin Clark has special friendship with Pacers' star Tyrese Haliburton

Caitlin Clark is still fairly new to Indianapolis. When she was drafted to the Indiana Fever in April 2024, adapting to a new city and a new team was a stepping stone for her. The first day in Indy after the draft is where her and Haliburton's friendship launched. In fact, he was one of the first ones to welcome her to the capital of basketball. The two share a common strong love for the game and there's no better place to be than Indiana.

There are strong ties between the Fever and Pacers. It's almost as though they're all one big family. After all, they have the same ownership, share the same arena and both have huge involvements in the Indianapolis community. Players are almost always showing up for each other's games in strong support. When comparing the way the Fever and Pacers both play basketball there are many similarities there as well. They play with quick tempo, are unselfish, and play for each other.

Both Clark and Haliburton push each other to be better. Each of them have expressed their love for playing in a 'small market' and that's where they hope to finish out their careers. Haliburton also shared with ESPN in a recent interview that he and Clark are almost in constant communication in a group chat along with their significant others. They're both the face of basketball in the state of Indiana and are embracing every moment of supporting one another.

Haliburton hopes to be full-go and help keep the Pacers' hopes alive in a do-or-die situation against the Thunder. Clark won't be there in attendance, but will certainly be keeping an eye on the score and channeling strong support all the way from San Francisco.