Caitlin Clark's Viral ‘Choke' Gesture Ignites Pacers in NBA Finals—Indiana Takes 2-1 Lead
Caitlin Clark (Image credit: Caitlin Clark/Instagram)
Caitlin Clark
, the Indiana Fever WNBA star, went viral during Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder by recreating one of the most iconic gestures in Pacers history—the "choke" sign made famous by Reggie Miller.
Clark, who was courtside at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, flashed the choke celebration during the second quarter, energizing the home crowd and stirring a wave of nostalgia among Pacers fans. This gesture was a nod to Miller's legendary taunt toward the New York Knicks in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, symbolizing confidence and intimidation on the biggest stage.
Despite dealing with a thigh injury that sidelined her during the WNBA season, Caitlin Clark's spirit remained undiminished, and her presence courtside has coincided with the Pacers' strong playoff performances.
The Pacers, who had struggled to maintain leads in the earlier games of the series, flipped the script in Game 3 with a commanding 116-107 victory over the Thunder, taking a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals. The win was fueled by a standout performance from Tyrese Haliburton, who posted 22 points and 11 assists, and bench contributions like Bennedict Mathurin's 27 points and T.J.
McConnell's defensive pressure with five steals.
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Caitlin Clark was joined at the game by her Fever teammates Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard, as well as Indiana basketball legends including Reggie Miller himself and Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, creating a powerful show of Indiana basketball unity and pride. Clark wore a yellow T-shirt emblazoned with the famous Indiana basketball slogan, emphasizing the deep local passion for the sport and the Pacers' return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.
The choke sign moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans reacting enthusiastically to Clark's bold gesture. Some expressed concern that such a confident display could backfire if the Pacers did not win, but the team's performance in Game 3 gave the gesture new meaning as a symbol of momentum and homecourt advantage. The Pacers have remained undefeated in games where Caitlin Clark has been in attendance during this playoff run, underscoring her role as a good luck charm and a passionate supporter of Indiana basketball.
Also read:
"I'll Be Out There": Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Battles Lower Leg Discomfort Ahead of Crucial Game 3 in NBA Finals
With the Pacers now holding a 2-1 series lead, Clark's viral choke sign has become a memorable highlight of the 2025 NBA Finals, capturing the spirit of Indiana's basketball heritage and the excitement surrounding this pivotal moment in the series. The Pacers and Thunder will meet again at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 4, with the Pacers aiming to capitalize on their momentum and Clark continuing to inspire from the sidelines.
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