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Caitlin Clark Gets Pacers Fans 'Revved Up' Before Playoff Game vs. Bucks

The former Iowa star took part in Indiana's pregame ritual before a playoff game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Tom Dierberger

Caitlin Clark waves to the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse ahead of the Pacers-Bucks playoff game.
Caitlin Clark waves to the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse ahead of the Pacers-Bucks playoff game. / Screengrab via ESPN
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Caitlin Clark made her first official appearance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as a member of the Indiana Fever on Friday.

Clark took part in the Indiana Pacers pregame ritual by "revving up" a custom-built IndyCar before the team tipped off Game 3 of its NBA playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.

As the smoke emerged from the back of the IndyCar, Clark received a standing ovation from the sellout crowd.

Clark's involvement in the Pacers' pregame tradition might have set the tone, as Indiana jumped out to a 39–22 lead after the first quarter.

Clark, who was selected by the Fever with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, will begin training camp on Sunday. She is set to make her official WNBA debut in the Fever's regular-season opener May 14 against the Connecticut Sun.

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Tom Dierberger
TOM DIERBERGER

Tom Dierberger is a staff writer and editor on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in November 2023 after stints at FOX Sports, Bally Sports and NBC Sports. Dierberger has a bachelor's in communication from St. John's University. In his spare time, he can be seen throwing out his arm while playing fetch with his dog, Walter B. Boy.

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