During a recent game against the Chicago Sky, Las Vegas Aces guard Kate Martin suffered a significant lower leg injury. The incident occurred in the first quarter when Martin slipped on the court, prompting an immediate and heartfelt response from her teammates and the Aces’ staff. The team swiftly formed a protective huddle around Martin, shielding her from the cameras with towels as she lay on the court in pain. This gesture demonstrated their concern and respect for Martin’s privacy during a vulnerable moment.
Despite being escorted to the locker room for further evaluation, Martin later returned to the bench but did not re-enter the game. The Aces eventually lost the game, 93-85. Aces star A’ja Wilson expressed her commitment to Martin’s well-being in a postgame interview, emphasizing the team’s solidarity. Wilson highlighted the importance of protecting their teammate from the intrusive gaze of cameras, stating, “I’m going to take care of my rookie, no matter what… Cameras just don’t give us privacy, and I get it, that’s their job to get the shot, but I think for us, we’re just going to protect her at all costs.”
The incident and the team’s response garnered widespread admiration from fans, who praised the Aces for their support and solidarity. The original report was published on www.si.com under the title “Fans Loved Aces’ Sweet Gesture for Kate Martin After Scary In-Game Injury.”
Martin, a former college teammate of WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark at Iowa, joined the Aces as a second-round pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Throughout her rookie season, she averaged 3.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game over 23 appearances. The injury and subsequent absence from the game raised concerns about her condition, with Aces coach Becky Hammon noting Martin’s toughness and hoping for a positive outcome despite not having detailed medical information at the time.
The game saw standout performances from both teams. Sky guard Chennedy Carter led all scorers with 34 points, while rookie forward Angel Reese contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds. On the Aces’ side, A’ja Wilson notched 28 points and 14 rebounds, Jackie Young added 17 points, and veteran guard Tiffany Hayes scored 19 points off the bench. The Sky dominated the paint, outscoring the Aces 50-36, and excelled in second-chance points with a 14-3 advantage, ultimately leading by as many as 21 points during the game.
Following the game, both teams took a break for the All-Star Game and the 2024 Summer Games. The All-Star Game was scheduled to take place in Phoenix, and the Olympic women’s basketball tournament was set to begin on July 28 in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France. The Aces, holding a record of 16-8, and the Sky, with a 10-14 record, looked forward to the upcoming events, hoping for a strong comeback and improved performance after the break.
