The Boston Celtics' rise has been fueled by more runs from just one player this season. As Jaylen Brown carried the load in Jayson Tatum's absence, another player has quietly helped him shoulder it. And Caitlin Clark has noticed it, too.

Celtics insider Marc D’Amico posted on X, “Luka Garza is the stretch big no one knew existed before this season. He's now shooting exactly 50% from 3-point range this season,” Clark replied with just two very telling words: “I knew.” The post already has 2.1 M views after Clark's comment.

Though just two words, the reaction means a lot deeper than it looks and is most certainly not random.

Both Clark and Garza wore Hawkeyes jerseys during the 2020–21 season. Clark was a freshman just beginning her historic rise, while Garza was a senior dominating college basketball who later won the NCAA Player of the Year honors.

Clark was there firsthand to witness the skill set that made him special since his college days. He led the Big Ten in points per game and total points from 2019-2021 and set multiple NCAA D-I records in his senior season. Garza led in field goals (281), 2P's (271), and total points (747). So when his NBA moment finally arrived, Clark’s reaction was simply saying out loud what she already knew.

The 6'10 center made his NBA debut in October 2021. He signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal over the summer, entering the Celtics as a bench player. Instead, he has become a vital part of the Celtics’ unit.

Over his last 5 games, Garza’s role has expanded dramatically. His minutes jumped to 16.3 per game. He’s averaging 7.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and an eye-popping 61.4% from beyond the arc in 30 games played this season. Boston has gone 3–2 in the previous 5 games where Garza has played at least 19 minutes.

Garza mirrors Caitlin Clark’s impact on the Indiana Fever

Since Clark joined the Indiana Fever in 2024, their record improved from 13-27 to 20-30, standing 3rd in the Eastern conference that year with an improved 85.0 points per game (3rd in the league).

The Fever were also second in pace (79.8). Clark earned the Rookie of the Year honors, averaging 19.2 points and starting all 40 games that season.

While her 2025 season didn't turn out as expected, Clark was always present on the sidelines, cheering and rooting for the team, just as she recognized Luka Garza’s talent.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Joyita Das