WNBA Sends 7-Word Kate Martin Message After Play Against Chicago Sky

Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin is getting a bigger opportunity in her second WNBA season after being selected in the expansion. Drafted No. 18 overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Martin appeared in 34 games her rookie season, but averaged just 11.5 minutes per contest.

Appearing in her 14th game of the season on Friday against the Chicago Sky, Martin entered the night averaging 16.7 minutes per game, which is a step up from last season. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the former Iowa Hawkeyes guard has had some strong moments in year two.

Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20)

Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Putting together a solid performance against Chicago on Friday, Martin had one play in particular that caught the WNBA's attention. Driving to the basket after a hesitation move, Martin was able to finish a tough layup with her right hand. It gave Golden State a four-point lead and drew a seven-word reaction from the league.

"HESIIII AND THE FINISH BY KATE MARTIN," the WNBA exclaimed on X. 

Martin, a former collegiate teammate of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, averaged 8.0 points across five seasons at Iowa. She made the 2023-24 All Big Ten team when she broke out with a career-best 13.1 points per game.

Friday's game against Chicago was Martin's fifth this season in double-figure scoring. Her season-high is 21 points against the New York Liberty which was set just last game, so the second-year guard has been in great form for a Golden State team trying to stay in the mix.