Caitlin Clark is missing the atmosphere of Madison Square Garden, despite rooting against the New York Knicks yet again. The Indiana Fever celebrated after Haliburton’s game-tying three-pointer; she praised the Pacers as the “greatest comeback team’ after they defeated the Knicks to advance to the 2025 Finals. This year, however, the motivation is different for Clark. 

Caitlin Clark has been involved in the NBA this season, as a fan and as an expert. She was a part of the Inside the NBA show as a player expert twice, as almost everyone showered her with love. But her latest take might get her in hot water with Knicks fans, as she is wishing the 2026 NBA Finals go into a Game 7.

“I don’t want the Knicks to sweep it,” Clark said ahead of the Fever’s clash against the New York Liberty. “I’m kind of indifferent on who wins, but I’m such a basketball fan that I would love to see it go to seven games because I love it.”

The New York fans won’t be too happy if this does happen. The Knicks have already stolen two from Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs. They are looking to win the Finals for their first title since 1973. 

Intensity is at an all-time high for Knicks fans. Many humorously declared Sesame Street character Elmo a traitor for being neutral in this clash despite being a New Yorker. The city streets were filled with fans after the 105-104 Game 2 victory. Caitlin Clark wants a piece of all of that atmosphere, but she is doubtful her security team will let her. 

“I was out to dinner last night, and it was fun to see the buzz around the city and how passionate fans are. I was joking with Lexi [Hull], like, “Man, we should have gone right outside MSG after they won,” Clark added. “I always want to see those people jumping around on each other and climbing light poles. I feel like that would be the experience. I don’t know if my security guy would let me do that, but I want to experience it because those Knicks fans are so passionate and crazy. I admire it. It’s pretty awesome.”

The concern from her security isn’t unfounded. During the Knicks’ playoff run, the crowds have become increasingly intense. One incident that highlights this occurred a few weeks ago, when ex-Knick JR Smith was swarmed by fans, leading to him having to shout at them to “relax” before he was trampled.

If Clark joins the MSG crowd, fan frenzy will intensify given her star power. Even without many celebrities, the Knicks fans are in a league of their own when it comes to celebrations. Clark attracts fans wherever she goes. Last season, many fans across the country were traveling to games just to catch a glimpse of Clark, even while she was injured. That included New York. 

She gave away more than 100 autographs at the Barclays Center. During her first game in the city, they set a (at the time) franchise record with a 17,735-strong crowd.  But the same attention that makes Clark one of basketball’s biggest attractions also puts every move she makes under a microscope.

Caitlin Clark Makes Her Stance On “Outside Noise” Clear After A Controversial Month

Caitlin Clark had a roller coaster of a week. First, she was criticized for missing the postgame interview despite a reporter specifically requesting her. However, later, Sophie Cunningham cleared it up by revealing that she had a workout scheduled. She also missed a game through back soreness despite not being listed on the injury report. 

The Fever even got a warning from the league because of that. Then, the courtside spat with Stephanie White went viral as she was off her game against the Portland Fire. It was later brushed off by both as a heated conversation between two competitive people. Clark has all this external noise brewing as she tries to get some consistency coming off an injury-riddled season. However, she maintained that it does not impact her.

“I understand there’s always going to be people who have opinions, and I respect that,” Clark said. “For myself, I just try to keep the main thing the main thing, and that’s helping this team win basketball games and being the best leader and teammate I can be.” 

Clark is the center of attention everywhere she goes. Even legends like Cheryl Miller and Sue Bird have given her some grace, considering the immense criticism she has received. While Clark does look at her game and take constructive feedback, she doesn’t pay attention to unnecessary chatter. 

“For myself, I don’t really get too affected by the outside noise,” she said. “I understand everybody has an opinion, but those aren’t the opinions I’m really concerned with. It’s just my teammates, my family, and my friends.”

Hopefully, she can correct course and get her on-court performance back on track.