The Indiana Pacers currently hold a stunning 2-1 advantage over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, following a 116-107 win in Game 3. This success might not be so astonishing, given that Caitlin Clark, a guard for the Indiana Fever, has become a regular at the Pacers’ playoff matches. Notably, Clark has joined the Pacers’ postseason journeys for eight games, with her presence coinciding with victories in each.

Recently sidelined with a strained quad, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year is combating her own challenges while supporting another Indiana squad’s playoff aspirations. Initially, the Pacers faced +8000 odds for the title entering the playoffs, according to FanDuel. Should they secure two more wins, such odds would represent the longest odds for any eventual champion in the NBA, NFL, NHL, or MLB, a record noted by CBS Sports Research.

After receiving the title of the ‘most overrated player’ in the NBA earlier this season, Tyrese Haliburton has risen to the challenge, showcasing star potential during the finals. On Wednesday, he achieved a remarkable feat by joining the ranks of Magic Johnson, Russell Westbrook, and Luka Doncic by recording 20 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds before turning 26 years old. The Pacers have also shown superior efficiency in crucial moments, boasting a playoff record of 9-1 in tightly contested matches.