Second-year guard Kate Martin and rookie floor general Kaitlyn Chen combined to score 21 points – 14 of which came in the second half – and played solid defense throughout Sunday’s game to help the Valkyries bounce back after their close loss to the New York Liberty on Thursday night.

And when she drilled it, cutting New York’s lead to a point with 11.4 seconds remaining, Martin did more than keep alive the Valkyries’ pursuit of victory, more than provoke a higher octave from Chase Center’s roar. She authored a moment. Her moment. One that could reverberate into the remaining season.

Kayla Thornton earned some high praise from Kate Martin after she poured in 29 points to lead the Valkyries to victory over the Sky