Tyrese Haliburton and Caitlin Clark, the leading figures of Indiana’s basketball scene, share a friendship that transcends the court, powering their teams’ remarkable runs in the 2025 NBA Finals and WNBA season. Their close connection, rooted in mutual respect and constant communication, has fueled Indiana’s rising prominence in both leagues, exemplified during the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse this summer.
Haliburton, star guard for the Indiana Pacers, and Clark, a prominent WNBA guard for the Indiana Fever, maintain a constant dialogue alongside their significant others, providing support amidst the pressures of superstardom in the basketball world. Their unique bond has become a source of strength as Indiana pushes toward championship glory.
The Foundation of a Rare Sports Friendship
The connection between Haliburton and Clark extends beyond casual acquaintance; they are active teammates off the court, sharing tactics, challenges, and personal moments through a group chat that includes their partners. Despite the demands of postseason play, this group chat keeps them grounded and closely linked.
The four of us hang out all the time,
Haliburton said.
She goes through a lot, as you know. There’s a lot of weight and eyes on her. Obviously there is on me as well, but hers are amplified times a million.
—Tyrese Haliburton
This bond is evident even during crucial moments of the playoffs. For instance, after Haliburton’s decisive shot against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden sent Indiana into overtime, Clark’s energetic reaction from her hotel room in Atlanta was captured and shared in their group, underscoring their unwavering support.
I have a video on my phone I’m never going to show anybody,
Clark said.
I videotaped myself, like, the final play and I have my reaction in real time. It’s a pretty iconic video. Maybe one day everybody will see it, but no, not right now.
—Caitlin Clark
Haliburton joked about the video, noting the high energy and the candid nature of Clark’s excitement, showing how deeply they root for each other.
Mutual Inspiration On and Off the Court
Both players push one another to grow and improve, sharing insights into managing pressure and on-court challenges unique to their roles as leading scorers and playmakers. Clark openly credits Haliburton with helping her navigate defensive pressures, particularly when opponents attempt to deny her the ball or disrupt her rhythm.
Obviously we both want the ball in our hands in transition,
Clark said.
That’s really where we thrive, playing and pick-and-roll. And it gets hard when teams pick you up full court and deny 94 feet and don’t let you get the ball. So I was just leaning on him, ‘How can I get open? How do you manage maybe not having to roll every possession in transition? Or having a little give-and-take with yourself?’
—Caitlin Clark
Haliburton acknowledges facing similar defensive strategies, learning from Clark’s persistence as he attempts to remain aggressive despite teams targeting him to limit his drives during the Finals.
After Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where Haliburton struggled with offensive efficiency due to aggressive defensive schemes, Clark’s presence at center court spurred him forward.
I was yelling at him the whole game like, ‘Shoot it! Shoot it! Shoot it! You’re open!’ And I love that unselfishness. That’s why they’re so good, because the entire team is unselfish in that way. But he could truly score every time.
—Caitlin Clark
Clark’s support has coincided with Indiana’s undefeated home streak during the playoffs when she attends games, enhancing the team’s energy and focus.
Trust me, Haliburton remarked of Clark’s influence.
I know it. And if I didn’t know it, everyone would make sure that I did.
—Tyrese Haliburton
From College Connections to NBA and WNBA Stardom
The friendship’s origins trace back to overlapping circles in college basketball and Indiana’s basketball environment. Connor McCaffery, Clark’s boyfriend and a former college player and Pacers staff member, facilitated introductions and shared insights about Clark’s journey, which initially met Haliburton’s playful resistance due to longstanding college rivalries.
Me and Connor would talk all the time about [Clark’s] journey,
Haliburton said.
But I refused to cheer for Caitlin until she got out of college because I’m not cheering for Iowa.
—Tyrese Haliburton
Eventually, with Clark’s transition to the Indiana Fever and the team‘s emergence from the bottom of the standings to a playoff contender, Haliburton became a devoted fan. As the Fever gained momentum—with attendance surging from just over 4,000 to more than 17,000 per game—Haliburton not only became a regular at games but even purchased season tickets, reflecting his genuine admiration for women’s basketball.
They wouldn’t even bring out half the bleachers,
Haliburton recalled.
I could just go up there after my workout and sit courtside… Now we’re excited, and then we got the No. 1 pick, Caitlin, and now the energy is crazy.
—Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton’s appreciation for the women’s game is influenced by his familial background, as his father coached girls‘ basketball, further deepening his respect and understanding.
He loves the game,
Clark said.
Even before I got here, he loved the Fever. He has a girls’ AAU basketball program. He’s a real advocate of the game.
—Caitlin Clark
Shared Vision and Regional Pride Forge Strong Local Support
Clark and Haliburton both express a desire to build their legacies in Indiana, embracing the community’s burgeoning enthusiasm during these pivotal playoff runs. Despite Indianapolis being viewed as a smaller market, the excitement surrounding these finals is unmatched, bringing the city and fans closer to basketball than ever in decades.
Ty and I would both tell you this is where we both hope to stay the rest of our careers,
Clark said.
People are like, ‘It’s a small market.’ But no, that’s what makes it fun. These people, this is what means the world to them. We haven’t hosted a Finals game in 25 years and I’ve never seen this type of excitement. People are lining up three hours before the game. I literally just got the chills thinking about it.
—Caitlin Clark
And they’re the same for the Fever. I think it’s just like [Pacers coach] Rick [Carlisle] said, ‘In 49 other states it’s basketball, but here it’s just really different.’ I’m really fortunate to be able to play here and he’s the same.
—Caitlin Clark
This passion is shared by both the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever organizations, which have a history of close collaboration and shared leadership, including long-standing ownership under Herb Simon.
How the Friendship Strengthens Tactical Development
Off the court, Clark and Haliburton frequently exchange strategic advice to sharpen their performances. Clark, still early in her professional career, discusses with Haliburton ways to overcome defensive pressure and improve her offensive decision-making.
That’s something I’m trying to navigate. Obviously this is only Year 2 for me, and he’s in whatever, six or five, whatever it is for him. So he’s been through it. That’s just how we bounce ideas off of each other.
—Caitlin Clark
Conversely, Clark learns from Haliburton’s careful handling of the ball, especially as he led the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio this season. Despite breaking her franchise record for assists, Clark also led the WNBA in turnovers last season, prompting Haliburton to gently tease her, reflecting their playful and supportive dynamic.
He’ll text me after a game when I have 10 turnovers and be like, ‘Nice triple-double,’
Clark said. —Caitlin Clark
I mess with her about it,
Haliburton admitted.
But she’s going to do what she does. She’s going to keep growing. She makes the right play more times than not.
—Tyrese Haliburton
These exchanges illustrate their shared belief that basketball transcends gender and that their love for the game unites them beyond competition.
Basketball is a genderless language. We both just love the game.
—Tyrese Haliburton
Indiana’s Historic Basketball Moment and Upcoming Finals Schedule
The Pacers currently lead the NBA Finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, holding a 2-1 advantage after a thrilling 116-107 win in Game 3 at home. The remaining games are scheduled as follows: Game 4 in Indiana, Game 5 back in Oklahoma City, with potential Games 6 and 7 if needed.
Across both NBA and WNBA, Indiana’s basketball teams are reaching new heights, energized by the presence and partnership of Haliburton and Clark. Their friendship not only enhances personal performance but galvanizes the fan base, evoking strong community pride and renewed excitement for basketball in the region.