Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark's Surprise Appearance at NBA Playoff Game Gains Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 1:56 PM ET

The WNBA season is now less than a month away, with preseason tipping off in under two weeks, and the anticipation for Caitlin Clark's return to the court with the Indiana Fever is palpable.

But before the WNBA season ramps up, the NBA postseason got underway on Saturday—and Clark wasn’t about to miss the chance to support a crosstown friend. She was in attendance to cheer on the Indiana Pacers, led by her close friend Tyrese Haliburton, as they opened their first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Clark was spotted in a suite, wearing one of the yellow playoff shirts handed out to the entire crowd as part of the Pacers’ postseason tradition.

Check it out:

"CAITLIN CLARK IN THE BUILDING," NBA posted.

CAITLIN CLARK IN THE BUILDING pic.twitter.com/jk5kcyD983
— NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2025

Basketball fans quickly took notice of Clark’s presence at The Fieldhouse for Game 1.

"Wearing the shirt. Like a pro," A fan posted.

"She knows to wear the shirt!" Another fan said.

"And she understood the assignment," Someone else added.

"In a way Caitlin has made me a fan of the Pacers too. If I see they’re playing, I tune in just in case they might show her for two seconds," A fan said.

One more fan commented, "The future of the game just walked in."

Clark has had a busy offseason away from the court, unlike many WNBA players who spend the break competing overseas. She’s been spotted at various high-profile events, including golf Pro-Ams, the Masters, an NFL playoff game, and now at an NBA playoff matchup.

All of this comes before she begins her highly anticipated second season with the Indiana Fever—after a rookie year that saw her lead the team to its first postseason appearance since 2016, earn WNBA Rookie of the Year honors, and make the All-Star Game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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