Clark struggled to get things going during the game, scoring just 16 points on 6-of-22 shooting. She also only dished out six assists, her second-lowest total since the WNBA’s return from the Olympic break.
A big storyline going into each Fever vs. Aces game this season has been the matchup of Clark and Martin. The two rookies have been good friends since their time at Iowa, and fans have loved when they take the court together on opposing teams.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates with guard Kate Martin (20)
However, Aces coach Becky Hammon decided not to play Martin at all. In the first two battles, Martin saw 33 total minutes of action, 22 in the first game and 11 in the second. The second-round pick found a big role off the bench for Las Vegas at the beginning of the season, but her minutes have decreased drastically.
WNBA fans were not happy they didn’t get their fix of Clark vs. Martin and took to social media to react to the Aces’ decision.
“Not playing Kate Martin for even 30 seconds when half the arena is wearing her jersey or Iowa gear is pretty low,” one fan said.
Not playing Kate Martin for even 30 seconds when half the arena is wearing her jersey or Iowa gear is pretty low 🫣🤔 @BeckyHammon @LVAces #WNBA
— sam (@ddlxregui) September 12, 2024
“Why didn’t Kate Martin get any minutes?”
Why didn’t Kate Martin get any minutes?
— Liz 🌹 (@elizabethfluffy) September 12, 2024
“Where is Kate Martin?? Was she selling too many jerseys and other players got a little jelly?”
Where is Kate Martin?? Was she selling too many jerseys and other players got a little jelly?
— dianna zumbach (@DiannaZumbach) September 12, 2024
“Kate Martin really didn’t get a minute smh”
Kate Martin really didn’t get a minute smh
— Shitty world! (@__bodman) September 12, 2024
“kate martin minutes against her twin when?”
kate martin minutes against her twin when?
— natália (@caitlinslvr) September 12, 2024
“Vegas is such an unlikable team … and you just KNOW, that Aces coach guna keep Kate Martin out of the game to SPITE the crowd lol”
Vegas is such an unlikable team … and you just KNOW, that Aces coach guna keep Kate Martin out of the game to SPITE the crowd lol
— FaRKaSCaST (@farkascast) September 11, 2024
Prior to this match, Martin had been playing 11.2 minutes per game. She is averaging 2.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.8 assists on the season. Martin has received zero minutes in two games since the Olympic break ended, with the Fever being her third.
The Fever are now 0-3 on the season against the Aces and will get one last chance to avoid a season sweep on Friday, September 13.
