In a heated encounter during the inaugural season of the Unrivaled 3×3 women’s basketball league, WNBA standout Kate Martin found herself at the center of a physical altercation with Mist BC and Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington. The game, which took place on January 20, 2024, saw Laces BC extend their undefeated streak to 2-0 with a dominant 63-43 win over Mist BC. While Martin had an impressive individual performance, finishing with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in just 10 minutes, it was her interactions with Carrington that stole the spotlight.
From the opening moments, the intensity of the game was clear. Martin, known for her versatility and skill, was playing a key role in her team’s success, but Carrington’s physical defense quickly became a point of contention. The most noticeable incident occurred early in the first quarter when Martin, attempting a layup, was struck hard in the face by Carrington. The contact was significant enough to leave Martin shaken for a brief moment, though a foul was called on Carrington. This exchange seemed to set the tone for the rest of the game, with both players demonstrating their fierce competitive spirits.
As the game progressed, another confrontation between the two players occurred when Carrington aggressively swiped at the ball Martin was holding, but instead of making contact with the ball, Carrington struck Martin’s arm with a heavy foul. This second incident led to another foul being called on Carrington, but it also seemed to frustrate Martin, who threw her arm up in the air in clear exasperation at the defensive tactics being employed against her.
The video footage of Martin’s visible frustration, which was shared by Twitter user @aclassyteaparty, quickly went viral. The caption accompanying the post highlighted the rarity of seeing Martin, a usually calm and composed player, become visibly annoyed on the court. “Very rarely are you gonna see Kate look so visibly annoyed like this while playing,” the tweet read, adding to the intrigue surrounding the incident.
Many fans and commentators took note of how the fouls seemed to stem from Carrington’s frustration, not only with Martin’s offensive success but also with her own struggles in the game. Carrington, who had a well-documented history of playing physical defense—particularly against Martin’s best friend, Caitlin Clark—seemed to lose her composure as the game slipped further out of reach for Mist BC. The guard ended the game with just 2 points on 1-of-10 shooting, further amplifying the perception that her aggressive playstyle may have been fueled by frustration over her own poor performance.
Carrington’s tough defense, particularly against Caitlin Clark in previous matchups, has already made her a polarizing figure in the women’s basketball world. However, her aggressive style against Martin adds an intriguing layer to their developing rivalry. Martin, a star player for the Golden State Valkyries and a key figure in the Unrivaled 3×3 league, appears to be unfazed by the physicality but clearly didn’t appreciate the level of contact she endured.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how this rivalry develops. The intensity between the two players, combined with the competitive nature of the 3×3 league, suggests that these types of confrontations could become a regular feature of their future matchups. The question remains: will Carrington’s physical defense continue to target Martin in future games, or was this simply a one-off incident driven by frustration in a lopsided contest?
Despite the physicality on display, Martin’s performance continues to shine in the Unrivaled 3×3 league. Her all-around game, which includes scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, makes her a crucial asset for the Laces BC squad. With the league still in its early stages, Martin’s ability to perform under pressure is already catching the attention of basketball fans, especially considering her transition from collegiate success to professional play.
As Martin continues to solidify her reputation in the 3×3 format, her ability to handle physical defense will undoubtedly be tested by other players across the league. The encounter with Carrington, however, provides a glimpse into her resilience and determination to stay focused on the game, even when faced with adversity. Her performance will likely continue to play a significant role in Laces BC’s success as they look to maintain their undefeated record.
Kate Martin’s recent interaction with DiJonai Carrington in the Unrivaled 3×3 women’s basketball league has brought both players into the spotlight. While Martin’s stellar performance contributed to her team’s win, the physical nature of the game and Carrington’s aggressive defense against Martin sparked controversy. As the league moves forward, the growing rivalry between these two players will be one to watch, especially as the competition intensifies and both players continue to shape their careers in the Unrivaled 3×3 league.
