It was a showdown to remember as twoIowa Hawkeyes legends faced off for the first time in the WNBA on Saturday. Caitlin Clarkand Kate Martin, once inseparable teammates at Iowa, found themselves on opposite sides of the court, with Clark’s Indiana Fever taking on Martin and the Las Vegas Aces.
The buzz around this game was electric. Clark and Martin were more than just teammates; they were the best of friends during their college days, a bond that was well-known and admired by fans and players alike. Martin’s reputation as a beloved team player preceded her, and it seems her new teammates in Las Vegas have taken a liking to her just as much.
In a heartwarming moment captured on video and shared by the WNBA’s X account, Martin’s new teammates asked her to bust a move right before heading out onto the court. And, of course, Martin obliged, showing off her dance skills and winning over the crowd and her team even more. Fans were quick to show their support online, with one fan commenting, “They love their rookie,” and another cheering, “Turn up den Kate.”
Aces dominate Fever as Clark and Martin reunite on the court
As the game progressed, Martin logged eight minutes on the court, but it was clear the spotlight was on the much-anticipated clash between the two former Hawkeyes. The Indiana Fever, who were thrilled to nab Caitlin Clark with the No. 1 overall pick, faced a formidable challenge against the back-to-back defending champion Las Vegas Aces.
The Aces, led by 2023 WNBA Finals MVP A’ja Wilson, dominated the game, handing the Fever a 99-80 loss at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The Fever, struggling with a rocky start to the season and a five-game losing streak, had hoped to build on their first win of the season from Friday’s victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. However, the Aces, who are off to a strong 3-1 start, showed no mercy in their quest to become the first team to win three consecutive WNBA titles since the legendary Houston Comets era.
The reunion of Clark and Martin on the professional stage was a highlight for fans who followed their college careers. Martin, selected 18th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, had shown up to the draft ceremony to support Clark, who went No. 1 overall. The Aces’ selection of Martin from the audience added a storybook twist to her draft night.
Despite the Fever’s struggles, Clark’s potential remains a beacon of hope for Indiana. Meanwhile, Martin continues to make her mark with the Aces, proving that her team-first attitude and infectious spirit are just as valuable at the professional level.
