Caitlin Clark, the new face of the WNBA, decided to trade three-pointers for the big screen on Sunday, getting some prime courtside action at the Indiana Pacers’ win over the New York Knicks. And, surprise! Her partner in crime? None other than boyfriend Connor McCaffery, who looked absolutely thrilled to be spotted next to basketball royalty — or at least, that’s what we’re going with. The lovebirds were all smiles at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, right in time for the Pacers to send the Knicks packing with a 132-121 beatdown.
In true Caitlin Clark fashion, she got a warm reception when she appeared on the Jumbotron during the third quarter. She waved at the camera with a grin that said, “Yes, I won Rookie of the Year and I’m slaying the offseason.” Fans cheered, possibly because she’s become Indy’s favorite person — or because their team was up by double digits at that point. Sitting next to her was McCaffery, now an assistant coach for Butler, who’s also probably wondering when he’ll get his own Rookie of the Year award — in the world of power-couples, of course.
But let’s not pretend Clark is just chilling courtside for long. Oh no, she’s in full offseason hustle mode. Before you know it, she’ll be swinging golf clubs in Florida, gearing up to tee off in the LPGA pro-am at The Annika. Because clearly, basketball championships aren’t enough for some people — they have to conquer golf too. Clark will be playing alongside world No. 1 Nelly Korda and LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam, which sounds like an intimidating group unless your name happens to be Caitlin Clark.
Speaking of intimidating, the Pacers certainly brought that energy to their game against the Knicks. Tyrese Haliburton showed off with 35 points and 14 assists, but it was Bennedict Mathurin who went nuclear, dropping 38 points. Even Myles Turner got in on the action, reminding everyone he’s still around with 26 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. In contrast, the Knicks — who entered the game with all the swagger of a team expecting an easy win — left with their tails between their legs. Jalen Brunson tried to carry the team with 33 points and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough. Karl-Anthony Towns threw in 30 points, and OG Anunoby added 25, but that defense? Yikes.
The Knicks, now a sad 4-5 for the season, are definitely not living up to expectations, and you can bet their fanbase isn’t thrilled. Meanwhile, the Pacers are riding high with their fifth win of the season. If this is the new normal for Indiana, someone better warn the Eastern Conference.
Back to Clark — after securing a playoff berth with the Fever for the first time since 2016, she’s looking to expand her horizons. Indiana may have been swept by the Connecticut Sun in the first round, but that’s just another chapter in her meteoric rise. Stephanie White, the newly reinstalled Fever coach, will have another shot at greatness next season, but let’s face it, Caitlin is the one everyone’s watching.
Oh, and if you thought Clark wasn’t taking her offseason seriously, think again. She’s been hitting the golf course with former LPGA pro Martha Foyer-Faulconer in Carmel, Indiana, sharpening her game like a true overachiever. It’s almost like she’s too good at everything, but we’ll let it slide — for now.
So, while the Knicks try to figure out how to win a game and Indiana fans celebrate their rising basketball and golf star, Caitlin Clark continues to give us all plenty to talk about. Who knows? Maybe next season, she’ll be adding “Pro-Am Golf Champion” to her ever-growing list of accolades.
