“I knew”: Caitlin Clark drops candid reaction to Celtics backup center’s breakout stretch that turns heads league-wide

The Boston Celtics are in the race to claim the top of the standings in the Eastern Conference. With Jayson Tatum sidelined, the spotlight has shifted toward players who rarely command national attention. One of those names now sits at the center of league-wide conversation after a simple two-word reaction from Caitlin Clark added fuel to his rising profile.Clark’s response came after a stretch of games that changed how many around the league view Boston’s bench. Luka Garza, who has proved to be the piece of the missing puzzle, has been on his A-game, providing the Celtics with the much-needed push to enhance the roster strength. Clark showered her heartfelt appreciation for the Bosnian-American basketball star.Celtics insider Marc D’Amico shared Luka Garza’s astonishing stat lines on a post on X that read, "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." Caitlin Clark replied with two words that immediately resonated. "I knew."The reaction traced back to Iowa, where Clark and Garza shared a season together during 2020–21. Clark was a freshman finding her footing. Garza was a senior finishing a dominant college career that ended with national player of the year honors. Garza’s role in Boston has expanded as the season progressed. Over his first 19 games, he averaged 13.1 minutes and 6.1 points. Since reentering the rotation, his minutes climbed to 21.8 per game. Production followed. He now averages 10.1 points and 5.7 rebounds during that stretch, while posting elite efficiency from beyond the arc. Boston has responded with wins, moving deeper into the East’s upper tier.Garza’s recent performances show why his minutes continue to rise. Against Denver at TD Garden, he emerged as one of Boston’s most reliable pieces despite the loss. In 19 minutes, Garza finished with 11 points and five rebounds. He did not miss a shot. He went 5-for-5 from the field and converted his lone three-point attempt. The Celtics outscored Denver by 11 points while he was on the floor.Boston’s offense stalled late that night, though Jaylen Brown delivered 33 points. The team fell 114-110 and saw a four-game win streak end. Even so, Garza’s presence stood out. His consistency has become a stabilizing element for a roster navigating injuries and shifting roles.The Celtics now sit among the East’s most competitive teams and are looking to dominate the Eastern Conference as well as the league.Also Read: LeBron James can’t hide his surprised reaction after wife Savannah debuts a bold new haircut