URGENT UPDATE: The Golden State Valkyries secured a vital 75-63 victory against the Indiana Fever on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The standout moment came from Kate Martin, whose electrifying 3-pointer boosted the team’s momentum during a crucial fourth quarter, silencing the Fever’s comeback attempt.
As the Valkyries’ lead dwindled to just five points early in the fourth, Martin delivered a game-changing shot from 24 feet, drawing a foul from Fever guard Aerial Powers in the process. The roar of the crowd was instantaneous, igniting a wave of excitement that swept through the arena. Fans erupted, high-fiving and stomping in unison, as Martin’s confidence radiated through the Chase Center.
With just seven minutes left, the energy shifted dramatically. Even Caitlin Clark, Martin’s former Iowa teammate and now sidelined with an injury, was visibly impacted, throwing her hands up in disbelief before sitting back down, signaling the Fever’s fading hopes. “What else can we do?” seemed to echo throughout the arena.
Martin’s pivotal shot sparked a strong 20-13 run to finish the game, solidifying a comfortable win as they played in front of their 19th sellout crowd of the season. Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase praised Martin’s knack for making momentum plays, stating, “Those are huge momentum plays that the crowd can get behind. Credit to Kate for knocking that down.”
Martin, who has become a fan favorite, continues to prove her value on the court. She has averaged 9.8 points per game in the last five outings, showing resilience and adaptability amid injuries to key players. The 25-year-old shooting guard has embraced her role, often receiving what the team calls “family shots”—the best possible opportunities to score.
Despite facing challenges during her first season, including being benched and experiencing shooting slumps, Martin’s recent performances have reaffirmed her place as a pivotal player. Sunday’s game was filled with fans sporting black and gold Iowa jerseys, a testament to her popularity that transcends the Bay Area.
“I feel really grateful to play in front of a crowd like that,” Martin said post-game. “As a shooter, the crowd’s excitement boosts my confidence. I appreciate it immensely.”
As the Valkyries continue their playoff push, all eyes will be on Martin to see if she can maintain this momentum. With the playoffs looming, her ability to energize not just her teammates but the entire arena may prove crucial in the coming weeks.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this developing story unfolds as the Valkyries aim for a strong playoff position. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses!
