NBA veteran Chris Paul demonstrated his admiration for WNBA talent by publicly celebrating Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark’s outstanding performance during her highly anticipated return to competitive basketball action. The San Antonio Spurs point guard, widely recognized by his nickname CP3, took to social media platform X to express his enthusiasm while watching the compelling matchup between two elite WNBA franchises.
The Indiana Fever delivered a statement victory against the previously undefeated New York Liberty on Saturday evening, securing a decisive 102-88 triumph at their home venue, the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This impressive victory marked a significant moment in the 2025 WNBA season, as it represented the first defeat for the Liberty squad that had maintained perfect record through their initial games of the campaign.
Caitlin Clark’s return to the hardwood proved to be nothing short of spectacular, as the young superstar overcame a three-week absence caused by a strained left quadriceps muscle that had sidelined her from competitive action. During her 31 minutes of playing time against the Liberty, the talented guard showcased the exceptional skills that have made her one of the most exciting players in women’s professional basketball today.
The 23-year-old former University of Iowa standout compiled remarkable statistics that demonstrated her immediate impact upon returning from injury, recording 32 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and two blocks while connecting on seven three-point field goals. Her performance included a particularly memorable sequence of three consecutive deep three-pointers that captured the attention of basketball fans and fellow professional athletes watching the game unfold.
Chris Paul’s appreciation for Clark’s abilities has been consistently demonstrated through his social media presence, as this latest endorsement follows his previous public recognition of her record-breaking achievements during her rookie season. When Clark established a new WNBA single-season assist record in September, Paul celebrated her accomplishment by sharing a State Farm promotional graphic and offering congratulatory remarks that highlighted their shared expertise in facilitating offensive opportunities for teammates.
The mutual respect between NBA and WNBA players was further exemplified when Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James joined the chorus of praise following Clark’s triumphant return to action. James posted an enthusiastic message on social media declaring “The CC EFFECT!! WELCOME BACK! You were missed!” which underscored the broader basketball community’s recognition of Clark’s impact on the sport and her value to the league’s entertainment product.
Even opponents acknowledged Clark’s exceptional talent during the heat of competition, as evidenced by New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart’s reaction to a particularly impressive play in the second quarter. Despite actively defending against Clark during a crucial possession, Stewart couldn’t help but smile and share a lighthearted moment with the young guard after witnessing her execute a difficult 31-foot stepback three-pointer that showcased her remarkable shooting range and confidence.
The Indiana Fever’s collective offensive explosion resulted in a new franchise record for three-point field goals made in a single game, with the team connecting on 17 attempts from beyond the arc. This historic achievement involved contributions from multiple players including Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham, and Damiris Dantas, demonstrating the depth and versatility of the Fever’s offensive capabilities when operating at full strength.
The Fever organization will look to build upon this momentum-shifting victory when they return to action on Tuesday evening, hosting the Connecticut Sun at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in a contest scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. This upcoming matchup will provide another opportunity for Clark and her teammates to demonstrate their championship aspirations while continuing to entertain the growing fanbase that has embraced women’s professional basketball with unprecedented enthusiasm and support.