Chicago Sky Coach Sends Kate Martin, Kaitlyn Chen Message After Valkyries Game
The Chicago Sky now own a 4-11 record during the 2025 WNBA season after Friday evening's loss to the Golden State Valkyries. With the 83 to 78 defeat, the Sky remain in 11th place in the league standings.
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Second-year forward Angel Reese put together her second consecutive game with more than 17 points and 17 rebounds during the loss.
Veteran guard Ariel Atkins pitched in 20 points, making her Chicago's leading scorer for the second time in the last three games.
For the Valkyries, 10-year veteran guard Kayla Thornton led the way with a season-high 29 points. Young guards Kate Martin and Kaitlyn Chen added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20).Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
First-year Sky head coach Tyler Marsh spoke to the media after Friday's loss, Chicago's 11th of the season. He spoke in detail about Golden State's young guards, Martin and Chen.
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Marsh went into detail about what each of these players specifically brings to the Valkyries, who are now 8-7 after the win.
"They're two pieces that just fit perfectly into how they want to play,' Marsh said. 'The constant movement, on and off the ball, the pressure they put on you defensively as well. It allows them to play big minutes in big moments, so they came through for them tonight.'
Martin is in her second professional season after being drafted in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft. She spent her rookie year with the Las Vegas Aces, but has seen her scoring rise from 2.6 to 6.7 points per game with the Valkyries in 2025.
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Chen was a third-round pick in this year's draft, but she failed to make Golden State's initial roster. However, with several players fulfilling overseas commitments, Chen landed a contract back with the Valkyries.
In her three games with the team, she is averaging 5.0 points, 1.0 assists and 1.0 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per contest. She is also shooting 5-for-9 from the floor and 1-for-2 from beyond the three-point line.
Chicago will play their next game on Sunday when it travels to Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles to take on the 5-11 Sparks. The game will begin at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Related: Chicago Sky Coach Admits Blame for Angel Reese Play in 11th Loss
Related: Chicago Sky Star Makes Kate Martin Statement After Loss to Valkyries
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
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