The drama is already at an all-time high in the WNBA season, which has just begun. When former Iowa Hawkeye Kate Martin swatted Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese’s layup attempt in a furious and dramatic debut clash, she sent a strong message to Reese both literally and symbolically. The moment has since gone viral.
Reese, who never backs down from a fight, was clearly annoyed by the block and the ensuing trash talk. She didn’t mince words when she criticized Martin’s behavior after the game, calling it “disrespectful” and “crossing the line.”
Reese remarked, “This is the pros, not college.” “I understand rivalries and rivalry, but her approach to me was blatantly rude. It must be handled by the league.
Reese became even more adamant when asked if she was explicitly advocating for Martin’s expulsion from the league.
“Yes, if she’s going to play that way. That energy is not needed here. Being competitive and being downright rude are two different things,” she continued.
After decking Angel Reese, Kate Martin has become popular.
For the first season of the new 3-on-3 Unrivaled league, Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese traveled to Miami, Florida, to showcase their skills.
In addition to creating a lot of commotion during their WNBA debut seasons, the two are also making waves in the new league.
In their fourth meeting, Reese and the Rose Basketball Club lost to Martin and the Laces Basketball Club 71-64 on Monday night.
Reese drove to the hoop and met Martin in the air with less than a minute remaining in the first quarter, with the Laces leading 13–12. Martin fouled Reese as she attempted the shot, knocking the former LSU Tigers star to the ground. Reese attempted one free shot, which is worth two points in Unrivaled, but missed.
On social media, WNBA fans shared their opinions about the Reese-Martin incident.
One reader commented, “OMG Kate nearly sent Barbie back to the bayou.”
A second said, “If Martin doesn’t foul her, Angel Reese will not score on this—it’s totally out of control.”
A third said, “Kate is fouling Angel in a low-key retaliation.”
Another person wrote, “What a flop.”
A fifth said, “Kate has history with Angel.”
