Aces Supported Kate Martin Before Injured Rookie Was Helped Off Court
Las Vegas Aces rookie Martin went down early in the team's contest with the Chicago Sky due to a concerning looking injury. But the reaction of her teammates in the moment said it all about how they feel regarding the first-year player. A large group from the squad was seen gathering around Martin in a show of support in the middle of the floor.
The way the entire Aces team and staff shielded Kate Martin from cameras is making me emotional.
— Bri Lewerke (@brilewerke) July 17, 2024
Truly a special group that has each others back. pic.twitter.com/usFc1hpa7s
Martin went down grabbing at her lower leg in what appeared to be a non contact injury, leaving basketball fans worried given the nature of how it occurred. The Aces surrounded Kate covering any reaction she may have had from the cameras. After a few moments Martin attempted to walk off the court, with the assistance of team staff. She of course headed to the locker room.
Martin has made her mark in her rookie campaign out of Iowa. Despite being a second round pick, Kate has seen real minutes for the back-to-back champions. She also seems to have quickly established a bond with team star A'ja Wilson. And judging by the footage above that bond extends to the rest of the Aces as well. The circumstances certainly illuminated the chemistry and culture of the champs.
Great to see Kate Martin walking back onto the court. 🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/TvzI1EeclI
— Kevin Lainez (@TheKevinLainez) July 17, 2024
Kate returned to the bench before the start of the second half but was ruled out for the remainder of the contest with what the team dubbed a lower right leg injury. More updates will certainly be forthcoming, and hopefully they are on the lower end when it comes to severity of the injury Martin suffered.
A’ja Wilson responds to the moment Kate Martin went down and the whole team huddled around her.
— HoopHer (@HoopHerSpeaks) July 17, 2024
Among other reasons, they were protecting her from the cameras and any unwanted clips to surface the internet.
I respect that. pic.twitter.com/FSVX5aviVl
After the game Aces star A'ja Wilson spoke about the team huddling around Kate and has this to say, "She's one of us. She's our sister...Cameras be getting in your business, we don't want that, we don't need that. So we tried to protect her peace. Her mental."
ROBIN LUNDBERG
Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!