Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark had nothing but glowing praise for her former Iowa teammate, Kate Martin, ahead of Tuesday night’s regular season matchup between the Fever and the Las Vegas Aces. Clark and Martin previously played against each other on May 25, a game that ended in a 99-80 victory for the Aces. The upcoming game between the Fever and the Aces will be different as it is set to take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, a venue that can accommodate an additional 6,000 fans compared to the Aces’ traditional arena.
While the larger venue will bring a different atmosphere to the game, other aspects, such as Clark’s enduring friendship with Martin, are expected to remain unchanged. Clark praised Martin’s unique contributions to a team, stating, “It’s kind of rare at the pro level what she can bring to a team, but she’s one of those people that’s not gonna care if she scores points, not gonna care how many rebounds she has or how many assists she has—she’s just gonna come in and play as hard as she possibly can, gonna be the best teammate she can be, and those are the type of people you want in your locker room.” This endorsement from Clark, shared via USA Today, highlights the special qualities Martin brings to the court and the locker room.
Clark, who is currently leading all WNBA rookies with impressive averages of 16.2 points and 6.9 assists per game, shares a significant history with Martin. The duo fell just short of winning an NCAA title in their senior seasons at Iowa, a testament to their strong partnership and mutual support on the court. Since being drafted by different WNBA teams, they have maintained a close relationship, with Martin recently revealing that they often text each other about their pregame outfits. Their bond is a testament to the enduring friendships that can develop through collegiate sports.
Following Tuesday’s matchup, the Aces and the Fever will have two more meetings this season on Clark’s home court in Indianapolis, scheduled for September 11 and September 13. Clark has continued to express her admiration for Martin’s basketball skills, noting, “She makes shots, she makes threes, she always has her feet ready.” Clark acknowledges that, from a basketball standpoint, Martin might sometimes be overlooked, but her capabilities are impressive. Clark further elaborates that Martin possesses talents she herself does not have, including a strong mid-post game and an effective fadeaway shot, coupled with a high basketball IQ.
These attributes make Martin a perfect fit for Becky Hammon’s system. Hammon, known for her strategic approach and demand for high basketball intelligence and versatile skills in her players, would find in Martin an ideal team member. Clark’s confidence in Martin’s fit within Hammon’s system underscores the respect and admiration she has for her former teammate’s abilities.
As the season progresses, the games between the Fever and the Aces will not only be a showcase of their competitive spirits but also a celebration of their friendship. The upcoming matchups will offer fans a chance to witness the unique dynamic between Clark and Martin, both on and off the court. Their continued communication and support for one another highlight the enduring impact of their shared experiences and the lasting bonds formed through the sport.
