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The Indiana Pacers turned their pregame tunnel walk into a celebration of women's sports on Tuesday, rocking WNBA and Indiana Fever-themed gear ahead of their home matchup against theNew York Knicks. The move wasn't just a casual fashion statement-it was all part of "Fever Night," a tribute to National Girls & Women in Sports Day.
Several Pacers players, including Pascal Siakam, TJ McConnell, Aaron Nesmith, and Obi Toppin, pulled up in custom Fever apparel. But it was Toppin's shirt-a tee featuring an illustration of Caitlin Clark-that got the biggest reaction. Clark herself took to Instagram, reposting the Pacers' pictures with three fire emojis and tagging Toppin's handle, making it clear she approved of the fit.
The Fever-NBA crossover energy didn't stop there. Gainbridge Fieldhouse was buzzing with WNBA representation, as Fever players Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull, and new g DeWanna Bonner were in attendance for the game. The Pacers' official social media leaned all the way into the theme, captioning their post, "Reppin' @indianafever & @wnba fits for Fever Night in celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day ."
Caitlin Clark's star power is changing the game and the Pacers know it
Clark's excitement over the Pacers' is another reminder of how much her presence has amplified attention on the Fever. After leading Indiana to its first playoff appearance in eight years, she's become the face of the franchise and one of the most influential figures in the WNBA. The Fever, meanwhile, have been making moves this offseason to build a team around her that can contend, re-g Kelsey Mitchell and adding veteran champions DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard.
The Pacers' public display of for the Fever speaks to something bigger: the growing connection between the NBA and WNBA. Indiana basketball is becoming a family affair, and moments like this show how much the city and its teams are rallying behind women's sports.
While Toppin and his teammates were focused on handling business against the Knicks, their choice of pregame fits sent a message that was just as important as anything that happened on the court. And if Caitlin Clark's reaction was any indication, she-and the entire Fever fanbase-loved every second of it.