Kate Martin’s Priceless Reaction
Kate Martin’s Priceless Reaction to Giant Caitlin Clark Poster Steals the Spotlight in Valkyries’ Blowout Win
The Golden State Valkyries didn’t just get back in the win column Wednesday night — they did it with style, swagger, and a bit of humor courtesy of Kate Martin.
All eyes were on the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana as Caitlin Clark made her much-anticipated return from a groin injury that had sidelined her for five games. But while the attention started with Clark, it quickly shifted as her former Iowa teammate, Kate Martin, and the Valkyries took full control of the narrative.
Golden State steamrolled the Indiana Fever in front of a raucous home crowd, walking away with an 80-61 win that snapped their two-game losing streak. The game wasn’t particularly close, with the Valkyries dominating on both ends of the court. Martin had a quiet night stat-wise — finishing with five points, two rebounds, and a couple of tough defensive plays in 19 minutes — but her presence and poise didn’t go unnoticed.
Clark, meanwhile, still looked like she was shaking off the rust. She put up 10 points on 4-for-12 shooting, along with six assists and a steal, but also had four turnovers and never quite found her rhythm. For a player used to lighting it up, it was a frustrating night.
After the game, Martin reflected on how important this win was for her squad. “We knew we had to be locked in,” she said. “Coming off two tough losses, playing in a place like this — it’s never easy. But I thought we executed the game plan really well.”
Then came the viral moment. Martin was asked about the massive Caitlin Clark banner draped across the JW Marriott in downtown Indy — the very hotel the Valkyries were staying at. Her response? Classic.
“Yeah, I mean, that’s where we stayed,” she said, laughing. “So it was literally right there on the building. It’s super cool how the city’s embraced her, and it’s just awesome seeing one of your best friends thriving like that.”
The Valkyries improved to 10-9 behind strong performances from Veronica Burton (21 points) and Kayla Thornton (18 points). Next up: a heavyweight clash with the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday.
Clark’s return may have drawn the headlines, but Martin’s reaction — and Golden State’s dominance — stole the show.
