Chicago Sky Star Makes Kate Martin Statement After Loss to Valkyries

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi M. Dombro | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 1:47 AM ET

The Chicago Sky dropped to 4-11 during the 2025 WNBA season after Friday's loss to the Golden State Valkyries. The defeat at the hands of the league's newest expansion franchise keeps the Sky in 11th place in the WNBA standings.

Ariel Atkins led the Sky in scoring once again with 20 points in the loss. She also chipped in five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.

2024 WNBA All-Star forward Angel Reese added 17 points and 18 rebounds, as well as two assists and a steal.

With this performance, she became the first player in WNBA history to record 35 points, 35 rebounds and eight assists in a two-game span (via Polymarket Hoops).

For the Valkyries, who now own an 8-7 record after Friday's victory, it was guard Kayla Thornton who led the charge with a career-high 29 points. Veteran guard Tiffany Hayes added 13 points, and second-year player Kate Martin pitched in 11 in the win.

Atkins has led Chicago in scoring in two of the last three contests. After the game, Atkins spoke to the media about Martin and her strong performance on Friday evening.

“Kate [Martin] is always aggressive," Atkins said. "That’s who she’s been since she was at Iowa."

As a rookie for the Las Vegas Aces, Martin only averaged 2.6 points and did not play in every game. She has enjoyed a change of scenery, however, after being selected by Golden State in the 2025 expansion draft.

This season, she has nearly tripled her scoring output with 6.7 points per game, and she is contributing 2.8 rebounds per contest as well. Her 11 points on Friday were her fourth-highest output of the season.

Chicago will be back in action on Sunday afternoon when it takes on the 5-11 Los Angeles Sparks. Tipoff is set for 4:00 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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