Angel Reese and Kate Martin Reignite Heated Rivalry in Unrivaled League Showdown
The Unrivaled league has quickly become a proving ground for some of the fiercest competitors in women’s basketball. Monday night in Miami, Florida, was no exception, as two familiar rivals—Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese and Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin—brought their long-standing on-court tension to a professional stage.
Their 3-on-3 battle between Reese’s Rose Basketball Club and Martin’s Laces Basketball Club lived up to the hype, delivering high-intensity moments and rekindling the animosity that has defined their matchups since college. Ultimately, it was Martin and Laces Basketball Club that emerged victorious in a 71-64 contest, further cementing the competitive nature of their rivalry.
A Physical Battle with Fireworks
From the opening tip, it was clear that both Reese and Martin were prepared for a physical, no-holds-barred matchup. The first quarter set the tone, with both teams trading baskets in a tightly contested game.
One of the night’s defining moments came when Reese made an aggressive drive to the basket with her signature physicality. Martin, never one to shy away from contact, met her mid-air with a hard foul that sent Reese crashing to the floor. The officials quickly assessed the play, but in Unrivaled’s unique rules, the call resulted in Reese getting two free throws. She converted one, securing two points for her squad.
The sequence ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans dissecting every aspect of the play. Some praised Martin for standing her ground, while others argued that the foul was a calculated move to prevent Reese from dominating inside.
“OMG, Kate almost sent Barbie back to the bayou,” one fan joked.
“Kate low-key revenge fouling Angel,” another quipped.
“No way Angel scores if Kate doesn’t foul her…completely out of control,” a third commented.
Reese Shines Despite Defeat
Though her team ultimately fell short, Reese put on a strong individual performance, stuffing the stat sheet with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists before fouling out late in the game. Her relentless energy and ability to crash the boards kept Rose Basketball Club within striking distance.
However, Martin’s Laces squad had the last laugh, thanks to a well-balanced attack and clutch shot-making from Kayla McBride, who drained the game-winning basket. Martin herself contributed a solid seven points and six rebounds, but her most valuable contribution came on the defensive end, where she disrupted Reese and made life difficult for her former NCAA rival.
A Rivalry Years in the Making
To understand the intensity between Reese and Martin, one must look back to their collegiate battles. The animosity between them traces back to the 2023 NCAA National Championship, where Reese and her LSU Tigers dominated Iowa, 102-85, in a game that sparked national debate over sportsmanship and competitive fire. Reese, in particular, made headlines for her celebratory taunts toward Caitlin Clark, Martin’s longtime friend and Iowa teammate.
Fast forward to the 2024 NCAA Tournament, and the script flipped. Martin and Iowa got their revenge by eliminating LSU in the Elite Eight, denying Reese another shot at a title. Those battles created a natural tension that has only intensified in the professional ranks.
Adding to the drama is Caitlin Clark’s presence in the narrative. Though she wasn’t on the court for Monday’s matchup, she remains a key figure in the Reese-Martin rivalry. Clark and Martin have been inseparable since their days at Iowa, and it’s safe to assume that Clark was thrilled to see her best friend secure another victory over Reese.
More to Come in Unrivaled
For those who can’t get enough of this matchup, there’s good news: Reese and Martin will face off again on Saturday in another Unrivaled showdown. With emotions running high and both players eager to assert dominance, the next battle promises to be just as intense—if not more so—than Monday night’s thriller.
Will Reese bounce back and lead her team to victory, or will Martin and the Laces continue their winning ways?
One thing is for certain—this rivalry isn’t going anywhere. With each new chapter, it adds to the growing legacy of women’s basketball, proving that the sport’s future is as fiery and competitive as ever.