Following the Boston Celtics’ victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, the attention of the NBA’s top team swiftly shifted to another spectacle: the closing moments of Iowa’s triumph over LSU in the Elite Eight of the women’s NCAA Tournament, spearheaded by Caitlin Clark.

As the television volume soared, all 10 Celtics players lined up in a row at their lockers, diligently icing their feet, their focus entirely captured by the spectacle unfolding on the screen. They watched with rapt attention as Clark drained nine 3-pointers and amassed an impressive 41 points, propelling Iowa to a 94-87 victory and securing their spot in the Final Four.

“How many 3s does she have?” one player asked.

When told it was nine, he shook his head and responded, “Man, that girl can ball.”

“Caitlin Clark is stealing the show of basketball, not only in the women’s game but also the men’s game,” Celtics forward Sam Hauser said. “She’s just really good. And she’s definitely worth the watch.”

Only in the closing moments of the game, with Iowa securing their victory, did the players finally peel out of their game uniforms and make their way to the showers, their conversations still revolving around Caitlin Clark’s remarkable performance.

As the NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader, Clark’s remarkable career has earned her a spot in the Final Four with an impressive tally of 3,900 career points, placing her sixth on college basketball’s all-division, all-time scoring list.

Reflecting on the scene, Hauser notes that while NBA players often tune into the men’s NCAA Tournament, often rooting for their own alma maters, it’s rare to witness such intense engagement with a women’s game.

“I remember UConn dominating for years, but now it’s a more even playing field in women’s basketball,” Hauser said. “And (Clark) has just grabbed everyone’s interest for sure.”