The Las Vegas Aces engaged in a head-on battle and grabbed an 89-82 win over the Los Angeles Sparks. Fortunately, it was a big night for Kate Martin as she made her WNBA debut. Stepping in as a pro for the first time, Martin successfully won hearts with her slick moves. As a rookie, Martin was feeling the pressure on the sidelines while she was gearing up in the training camp. And from the looks of it, she trained well.

The Aces squad uplifted her with positivity. As a result, she rocked at her first-ever game as a professional WNBA player. Let’s look at what Coach Hammon had to say after Martin’s first game.

Becky Hammon feels proud of rookie Kate Martin

In a recent post-game interview, the Aces coach Becky Hammon describes Kate Martin’s on-court finesse saying, “She just doesn’t make mistakes. I mean she executed our schemes, uh really well. Better than, you know some other people, maybe at times, um that you would expect. I just, she plays so hard. Her sense of urgency and attention to detail um has just really been there the whole the whole time. Kind of that’s what jumps out about her. Um, she plays hard plays smart.”

Coach Hammon’s praising remarks were followed by A’ja Wilson‘s insights on how well Martin has befitted into the role as a member of the Aces crew. She says, “It was super exciting but at the same time that’s Kate. That’s who she is. She’s high energy always in practice. So, it was just a matter of time, it translates over to the game. So, we were all excited and hyped for her, and that’s what you need like coming in, it’s hard being a rookie. It is so hard, let alone being a rookie with the two-time like Champs.”

Wilson adds, “I try to uplift her in every single way that I can, try to be there for her. I feel like today I kind of looked at her I was like believe in yourself like go, believe your matchup, attack that because it’s needed. She has 11 people behind her that’s going to make sure that she’s comfortable and good at where she is and believing in herself and always bringing the energy just like she does for us,” elaborating how she has been helping Martin boost her confidence.

Let’s not forget she was the next big thing at Iowa. As a part of the Aces crew, Kate Martin has already made some real good impact. She blocked Los Angeles’ 6-foot-7 center, Li Yueru. Seeing Martin’s lightning-fast moves, flabbergasted Kelsey Plum says, “Kate Money Martin…I love that kid!” Martin looked unfathomable going up against her opponent. Her moves were dripping with confidence all over the court.

With this game through, the Aces will play against the Phoenix Mercury and thereafter, the Indiana Fever. Let’s take a look at how things are looking up for them.

The Aces moving forward

In the last two games they played, the Aces have got the upper hand at things. Maintaining the same score of 89 points, the Aces won over Phoenix and Los Angeles. However, the road ahead seems to get more interesting as they lock horns with Phoenix again, who might look for a comeback.

Next up, they will play against the Indiana Fever. This makes things interesting as Kate Martin will go against her former teammate and good friend, Caitlin Clark. No matter how tough it gets, it will be a fan’s delight to see the two going up against each other after spending 4 years at Iowa, playing side by side as teammates.