The Golden State Valkyries secured their second victory of the season on Friday by defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 82-73 at the Crypto.com Arena. During the pregame moments, Kate Martin’s playful behavior caught fans’ attention and sparked online amusement, highlighting the lighter side of the WNBA atmosphere.
Strong Team Performance Led by Rookies
Four Valkyries players scored in double figures, with rookies Carla Leite and Janelle Salaun leading the charge. Leite, who remained in France last year despite being the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft, contributed 19 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting performance. Salaun added 18 points, helping the team maintain offensive pressure throughout the game.</p>
The Valkyries also demonstrated solid defensive effort in the absence of former WNBA All-Star Tiffany Hayes. They disrupted the Sparks’ rhythm, limiting Los Angeles to just 38.7 percent shooting from the field. The Sparks’ starters managed only 22 made shots out of 57 attempts, which contributed significantly to Golden State’s success.
Kate Martin’s Lighthearted Prematch Antics
While the Valkyries focused on winning, they also showed a playful spirit off the court. Prior to the game, videos and photos of the team entering the arena were shared, featuring a memorable moment involving Kate Martin. As Temi Fagbenle was in the spotlight, Martin quietly tried to avoid drawing attention, even playfully hiding and swiftly running through the area while holding a cup of coffee.
This amusing scene resonated with fans, who took to social media to share their reactions. One commenter wrote, I love my dork, while another labeled her a National treasure.
someone tell Kate she’s 6 feet tall and can’t hide.
—Fan
Other reactions included playful encouragements like Run Kate run!!! and lighthearted praise such as Most unproblematic player ever. An Instagram user further noted,
Best hiding job I’ve ever seen!!
—Follower
Kate Martin is always up to some kind of mischief.
—Follower
Martin’s Contributions Extend Beyond Her Humor
Besides providing entertainment off-court, Kate Martin also contributed actively to the Valkyries’ win. She logged 10 minutes of playtime against the Sparks, scoring six points and grabbing one rebound. Her performance was impactful enough to yield a plus-minus rating of +9, reflecting her positive influence on the court.
As the Golden State Valkyries continue to build momentum in their debut season, moments like Martin’s playful antics help engage fans and foster a lively team environment. This combination of solid play and light-hearted camaraderie may shape the team’s identity in the coming weeks, keeping supporters invested both on and off the court.