Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard Sit Courtside in Show of Support at Indiana Pacers’ Crucial Game 3

It was a star-studded night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis, where the Indiana Pacers hosted the Boston Celtics for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. But amid the roaring crowd, all eyes turned courtside as Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard—three of the biggest names in women’s basketball—sat side-by-side, watching the game unfold with energy and excitement that matched the crowd around them.

The trio wasn’t just attending as passive observers. Their presence spoke volumes about the connection between the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Fever, the state’s professional basketball franchises, and about how much women’s basketball has grown in visibility and relevance. The mutual support between the NBA and WNBA continues to rise, and moments like this encapsulate that spirit. With the Fever building their identity around young stars like Clark and Boston, and veterans like Howard setting the tone, their appearance at the Pacers game generated a buzz on social media that extended far beyond the walls of the arena.

Clark, Boston and Howard were fresh off an intense WNBA road stretch but made sure to support the Pacers during a pivotal postseason moment. All three appeared relaxed but focused, cheering as the Pacers tried to claw their way back into the series. Cameras frequently panned to the women, catching their reactions, laughter, and camaraderie—each expression a testament to their competitive spirit and joy for the game.

Caitlin Clark, in particular, continues to command attention wherever she goes. The No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and one of the most talked-about rookies in league history, Clark has brought a new wave of fans to women’s basketball. From her record-setting college days at Iowa to her quick adjustment to the pro level, Clark’s transition has been closely watched and widely covered. Tonight, she looked every bit the star that fans have come to adore, even off the court. Dressed casually with Fever colors subtly in play, she posed for photos, signed autographs for fans during warmups, and clearly relished the high-stakes environment of an NBA playoff game.

Aliyah Boston, the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year and the Fever’s steady frontcourt presence, joined Clark with her characteristic poise and quiet strength. Boston has embraced her role as a franchise cornerstone, both on the floor and in the locker room. Her presence next to Clark spoke to a growing bond between two players who represent the present and future of Indiana basketball. Throughout the game, they were seen discussing plays, exchanging smiles and clearly enjoying the on-court action, perhaps imagining themselves in similar moments on a WNBA stage in the not-so-distant future.

And then there was Natasha Howard, the three-time WNBA champion and defensive stalwart who joined the Fever in 2024. With her veteran experience and championship mindset, Howard brings leadership that complements the youthful enthusiasm of Clark and Boston. Tonight, she too was soaking it all in, sharing laughs with fans, tapping into the game’s rhythm and feeding off the energy of the postseason crowd. The younger players look up to her, and she seemed completely at ease in her dual role as both mentor and peer.

The Fever’s courtside presence tonight wasn’t just for show—it carried symbolic weight. It showcased unity and solidarity among Indiana’s basketball elite, reinforcing that the Fever and Pacers are part of the same sports ecosystem, elevating each other’s profiles. For decades, NBA and WNBA teams have often operated in separate orbits, with limited crossover in fan engagement or media exposure. But the visibility of Clark, Boston and Howard at a sold-out NBA playoff game sends a strong message: the Fever are here, they matter, and they belong at the heart of Indiana’s basketball conversation.

For Pacers fans in attendance, seeing three of the Fever’s top players courtside created a moment of pride and connection. Indiana has long been a basketball hotbed, from high school gyms to college arenas and into the pro ranks. Now, with both the Pacers and the Fever becoming more competitive and compelling, there’s a growing sense that the state is once again becoming the epicenter of American basketball culture. This cross-team support only strengthens that narrative.

Social media lit up the moment images and video clips surfaced of Clark, Boston and Howard in their seats. Commentators, fans and players alike took notice. Many praised the crossover support, while others remarked how the WNBA stars brought added star power to an already electric night. NBA players have long attended WNBA games, and the reverse is now being embraced just as warmly.

The synergy between the Fever and Pacers organizations also deserves mention. Since Clark’s arrival in Indiana, the Fever have enjoyed a surge in ticket sales, media attention and fan interest. Her popularity has had a halo effect, drawing attention to her teammates and the league at large. By showing up at Pacers games, the Fever stars return that favor, building rapport with the wider basketball community and deepening their own roots in the Indiana sports scene.

It’s not lost on anyone that Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard are more than just athletes—they are role models, brand ambassadors and cultural icons. When they appear at events like this, they bring visibility not only to themselves but also to the WNBA. Their appearance at Game 3 is a continuation of a larger movement in which women’s sports are increasingly center-stage, no longer an afterthought or footnote.

As the Fever work through the challenges of early-season play and aim to develop chemistry on the court, appearances like this remind fans of the team’s greater potential. There’s a building energy around this squad, one that’s as much about personality and visibility as it is about wins and losses. Having their stars courtside for one of the biggest games of the Pacers’ season helps solidify that energy into something more tangible—a shared identity rooted in pride and potential.

It’s also worth noting the mentorship role that veterans like Howard are stepping into. The presence of a proven winner in the Fever locker room is vital as younger players like Clark and Boston navigate the transition from college stardom to pro-level scrutiny and expectations. That mentorship extends off the court as well—whether it’s through a courtside appearance, conversations about leadership or simply modeling professionalism, Howard’s value to the team reaches far beyond her stats.

Tonight’s event wasn’t just a basketball game—it was a cultural moment. The blending of WNBA and NBA fandom, the bridging of male and female athlete recognition, and the shared celebration of talent regardless of league are all steps in the right direction. The growing acknowledgment that women’s basketball is worth watching, celebrating and investing in is being made visible, quite literally, in moments like this.

Fans left Gainbridge Fieldhouse talking about more than just the scoreboard. They left remembering the glimpse of Indiana’s basketball future, present right there in the front row. They left with snapshots of Caitlin Clark laughing with a young fan, of Aliyah Boston waving to the crowd, and of Natasha Howard chatting animatedly with fellow players and team staff. These are the kinds of moments that build legacies—not only for individuals but for franchises.

As the Fever continue their season, their courtside appearance at Game 3 of the Pacers’ playoff run stands as a reminder that they are no longer on the fringes. They are central to Indiana’s sports story, just as much as the Pacers are. The Fever are rising, and with leaders like Clark, Boston and Howard, they are doing it in a way that’s powerful, present, and impossible to ignore.