"I won’t be able to come for game 6" - Caitlin Clark locks in availability for Pacers' Game 4 while crediting Rick Carlisle’s role in playoff run

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has had the opportunity to show support for the Indiana Pacers in their NBA Finals run. She attended a few home games in the series against the OKC Thunder, sometimes with some of her Fever teammates. Clark was present for Game 3 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which ended in a 116-107 Indiana win.

The Pacers are currently up 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. In Game 2, they were aggressive and controlled the game with their pace, not allowing the Thunder to set their defense. Being able to see it up close, Clark has nothing but praise for Indiana coach Rick Carlisle.

The Fever had their team practice on Friday for their game against the New York Liberty on Saturday. It'll be Clark's first game back after missing five straight games due to a quad injury.

In front of the reporters, she was asked about her thoughts on the Pacers. She commended the team's performance, but made sure Carlisle received his flowers.

"I'm just really happy for them," Clark said about the Pacers. "I don't think Rick [Carlisle] gets enough credit for what he's been able to do... The way they play basketball, not a lot of people still play that way in today's world.

Game 4 will be in Indianapolis, and the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year said that she will make an appearance. However, she wishes the Pacers would end the series in Game 5 since she wouldn't be able to attend Game 6. If the series extends to six games, it will be played on June 19.

During that time, Caitlin Clark and the Fever will play at the Chase Center against the Golden State Valkyries.

"I've been fortunate to be here during this time. Hopefully, they can finish it out in five because I won't be able to come for Game 6."

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Caitlin Clark talked about their past contest against the Liberty

Before she missed some games, Caitlin Clark made an effort to guide the Fever past the defending champions. However, the currently undefeated squad proved to be a challenging team to play against. Indiana suffered a 90-88 loss against the Liberty and Clark had 18 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. She also had 10 turnovers that game.

Ahead of their rematch, the 2024 Rookie of the Year talked about what she thought made them lose in their first meeting.

"I think we started off a little bit slow," Clark said. "Our defense was pretty bad in the first half. I really think we turned it around in the second half."

Caitlin Clark said that Liberty's rotation is a problem, since most of their players can shoot well. The Fever star said their focus on Saturday is to find favorable matchups to execute their offense.