"Kate Martin owns Caitlin Clark": Fans react as Valkyries star continues tormenting Fever superstar with another blowout win

Caitlin Clark made her return from injury for the Indiana Fever-Golden State Valkyries game on Wednesday. Her return wasn't enough to stop the Fever from suffering a blowout 80-61 home loss to the Valkyries.

Fans on social media reacted as Valkyries guard and Clark's former Iowa teammate, Kate Martin, continued her impressive dominance over her.

One fan on X jokingly claimed that Kate Martin owned Caitlin Clark:

Smart Punk

@onlymessihasmor

LINK

Kate Martin owns Caitlin Clark

Other fans pointed out the flawless win streak between Clark and Martin, in favour of the Valkyries' star:

Dano Mataya

@drmataya

LINK

Kate Martin moves to 6-0 against Caitlin Clark in her WNBA career

Tyler DeLuca

@TylerDeLuca

LINK

Kate Martin moves to 6-0 vs Caitlin Clark in the WNBA

We might have a hilarious basketball superstition on our hands

riley

@spursimmunity

LINK

Kate Martin is STILL undefeated against Caitlin Clark

Other fans called out Clark and coach Stephanie White after the loss:

sperry springer📼

@sperryspringerr

LINK

I’m not even gon say the Indiana Fever looked better without Caitlin Clark. But what I will say is I don’t think her coach knows how to coach when she’s on the court.

KB

@Xclusivekesh

LINK

The Indiana Fever play better without Caitlin Clark on the floor. Some changes need to happen so they can play as freely as they do when she’s not on the court.

Clark, upon her return to the starting lineup, saw her output limited. She finished with 10 points on 12 shots and was kept under wraps by Golden State’s tight defense. She added five rebounds and six assists in the loss.

On the other hand, Martin made her second start of the season. She extended her career 3‑point streak to six games, finishing with five points and two assists.

Veronica Burton led Golden State with 21 points, including a career‑high five 3‑pointers. She also added eight rebounds, six assists and a +22 plus/minus in 34 minutes.

Clark and the Fever will look to return to winning ways when they welcome the Atlanta Dream on Friday. Golden State continues its road game with a trip to face the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday.

Caitlin Clark speaks on return from groin injury

Caitlin Clark missed the Indiana Fever's last five games. She suffered a groin injury on June 26 and was initially considered day-to-day.

Before the game against the Vakyries, the former Iowa star spoke to reporters on Wednesday about her injury:

“Just reminding myself of my abilities and what I’ve been able to do in this league—it’s given me great perspective on what other people have gone through in their career—just trying to get my body healthy and remain confident.”

Clark has faced challenges with injuries this season. She previously missed five games with a left quad injury.

She participated in a 5-on-5 scrimmage during practice on Monday. That marked her first time practicing fully since she got hurt.

In her absence, the Fever found ways to win. They defeated the Minnesota Lynx to win the WNBA Commissioner's Cup on July 1.

Clark is averaging 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game this season. Additionally, she has shot 39% from the field and 29.5% from the 3-point mark.