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It all began as a fun time on SiriusXM NBA Radio but soon took a serious turn, showing the deep hurt from Caitlin Clark's miss from the Olympic team.Kelly Krauskopf from Indiana Fever showed up during the show, with Caitlin Clark themed hats for each host, Brian Scalabrine and Frank Isola.
This act was to show for Scalabrine, who calls himself the head of the Caitlin Clark fan club. The room filled with laughs when the gifts were shown, and Scalabrine, who has a daughter playing basketball, was very happy. "I have a daughter who plays, so she'll love this," he said.
But then, the mood changed. Isola said, "It should be an Olympic jersey, really. It should say 'United States Clark' on the back." The room went quiet. The joke had hit a sensitive spot, pointing out that Clark was not picked for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics.
Undeserved olympic treatment for fans
Even with her top first season, by leading in assists, three-point tries, and more, Clark was not picked for the Olympic team. They chose seasoned players like Diana Taurasi, Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray. This choice kept sparking talks and even Sue Bird, who helps run the U.S. Women's National Team, talked about how tough the decision was, calling it a "no-win case."
Back in the studio, Krauskopf, with a strong past in the WNBA, rolled with the merch joke. Yet, it was clear that there was tension underneath: Clark's big following had yet not led to a spot on the biggest stage in the sport.
Caitlin's presence is key to success
Caitlin Clark began her first WNBA season in 2025 with style. She scored 19 points, gave out 9.3 assists, and got 6 rebounds in just her first four games. She was in the news for her first game, where she got a triple-double, and soon was known as one of the best at making plays and shooting threes.
However, she hurt her left leg muscle in late May and had to sit out some games. Since she's been out, the Indiana Fever only won 2 out of 7 games, and fewer people have been watching the games. Everyone is looking forward to her coming back after the Commissioner's Cup.
Her influence in the other team in town, The Pacers
Off the court, Clark's effect is big, especially in Indiana. The Pacers have won all playoff games she's seen, now 4-0, including a big Game 3 NBA Finals win against Oklahoma City Thunder. That night, with Clark, Reggie Miller, and Oscar Robertson watching, Indiana came back in the last quarter to win 116-107.
At this date they lead the series 2-1.
Coach Rick Carlisle praised the team's spirit and depth, saying, "This team needs everyone." The team's 10-0 run after losses since mid-March shows their grit and maybe some Caitlin Clark luck too.
Clark's gear is now up front in Indiana's online team shop next to Pacers stuff. Even if she's not in a Team USA jersey , she's now a key face in Indiana basketball, and likely its top known and key figure.
With Game 4 coming up, the Pacers might want Clark there again. By chance or not, when she's there, they keep winning.