Superstars that stick together, slay together. Just look at Indiana’s two powerhouses. Caitlin Clark has been balancing a busy sophomore season with supporting the Fever’s fraternal twin, the Pacers. Yes, Indiana as a whole suffered two heartbreaks on Sunday night. First, when Tyrese Haliburton went down mid-game, and second, when the championship slipped out of Pacers’ reach. CC joined the rest of Indiana through that rollercoaster and is still on the ride.

Tyrese Haliburton shared an update on his injury very quickly after Game 7. His previous calf strain has upgraded to a much more serious Achilles injury. Haliburton gave us Jayson Tatum déjà vu with his latest Instagram post from the hospital room. He’s on a bed, foot wrapped and raised, and yet upbeat with a reassuring smile. He responded to the love across all fronts with a joined hands emoji.

His post made more than a few emotional after that scary moment on the court. Caitlin Clark was among them in the comments, sending love through multiple heart emojis – “🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤.”

Not far behind was the Indiana Fever official account that also sent a few gratitude-filled emojis. And it truly summed up what the Hoosier State feels about its two superstars.

With no words and just a kind gesture, Clark lifted down-and-out Indiana basketball fans. They’re now looking at the Fever to redeem Ty and Indiana’s incomplete dreams for a championship. The last time a championship came to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, it was 2012 courtesy of the Fever. Tyrese Haliburton and Caitlin Clark were still tweens then, and Reggie Miller was the bona fide superstar of the state long after his retirement.

Things are looking a lot different in Indiana since then. The Fever got the No. 1 rookie out of the WNBA draft in 2024, who went on to win the RoTY and led the team to its first playoffs in a decade. Meanwhile, the Pacers emerged as underdogs of the 2024-25 NBA season by reaching the finals. Caitlin’s still on this legendary run while Haliburton focuses on recovery.

Indiana unites for Tyrese Haliburton

The NBA Finals series for Tyrese Haliburton had extreme highs and lows. He went from a top-scoring game to fighting the overrated label, a calf strain, and returning for Game 7. Then disaster struck. In the opening minutes, the Pacers’ star pounded the floor, writhing in pain. Everyone’s fears had manifested at the worst time.

He started strong, scoring nine points in less than ten minutes. But the Pacers had to continue without their leader, kept the game tied for most of it, but ultimately suffered a heartbreaking 103-91 loss to OKC. His dad, John Haliburton, confirmed before the game wrapped that Ty had an Achilles tendon injury. Yet, he stood in the halls with crutches to meet his disheartened teammates. The NBA world reacted collectively to Tyrese’s injury. Even Caitlin shared a heartfelt post when Haliburton left the game early.

Hali is fast-tracking his recovery with immediate surgery. Immediately after, he posted a lengthy letter to Indy fans where he said, “Now that I’ve gotten surgery, I wish I could count the number of times people will tell me I’m going to “come back stronger”. What a cliche lol, this s— sucks. My foot feels like dead weight fam. But what’s hurting most I think is my mind.” 

He also apologized to Indiana fans for not bringing the title home. His letter resonated with fans, amplified by Clark’s response. Caitlin Clark was not the only one struck with emotions after Haliburton’s post.

Her teammate, Lexie Hull, also sent a few joined hands emojis. Rapper G-Eazy wrote, “Congrats on an incredible year brudda, heal up king.” Boogie Cousins, Hassan Whiteside, and more comforted him. Fans wouldn’t let Tyrese apologize after the incredible run and prayed for his quick recovery.

All eyes are now on CC and Fever, which is having its own rollercoaster. After a dramatic start to the season, Fever has suffered back-to-back losses to the Valkyries and Aces. Clark’s redemption might come on Thursday when it faces the Paige Bueckers-led Dallas Wings.