In a preseason game that crackled with playoff-level intensity, Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin was ejected in the closing minutes following a heated altercation with Seattle Storm rookie Flau’jae Johnson. The incident unfolded Saturday night at Chase Center, turning an exhibition matchup between the expansion Valkyries and the revamped Storm into one of the most talked-about moments of the young WNBA preseason.
The Valkyries, building on their surprising playoff appearance in their inaugural 2025 season, took the floor with renewed confidence. Martin, the 6-foot Iowa product now in her second year with Golden State after being selected in the expansion draft, has emerged as a key glue player and fan favorite known for her hustle, perimeter defense, and championship pedigree from her college days alongside Caitlin Clark.
Seattle, meanwhile, showcased their high-upside rookie class. Flau’jae Johnson, the dynamic guard/forward drafted 8th overall in 2026 after a standout career at LSU, made her preseason debut in the starting lineup. The multi-talented athlete—equally known for her rap career—brought flash and fearlessness, quickly endearing herself to Storm fans with aggressive drives and vocal leadership.
With the score tied at 74-74 and under four minutes left, the tension erupted. Martin was matched up against Johnson on a crucial possession. As the rookie attacked the rim with a explosive first step, Martin delivered a physical contest, sending both players sprawling. What began as competitive basketball quickly escalated when words were exchanged. Martin shoved Johnson while rising to her feet; Johnson responded by pushing back and firing off a sharp retort, drawing the attention of officials.
After a quick video review, referees assessed Martin a Flagrant 2 foul, resulting in her immediate ejection—her first in the WNBA. Johnson was hit with a technical foul but stayed in the game, channeling the energy into a strong finish. Post-game, the rookie was unapologetic: “I’m here to compete. She came hard, I came back harder. Respect, but I’m not backing down—no matter who it is.”
Martin, composed as she left the court, told reporters: “It’s preseason, emotions get high. Physical plays happen. I love this game and I’ll learn from it.”
Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase expressed disappointment with the call but praised her team’s fight. The Storm ultimately edged out the Valkyries 78-76 in a thriller, with Johnson contributing 12 points, several highlight-reel plays, and plenty of attitude in her debut.
League observers see this as more than a routine scuffle—it could signal the start of a compelling rivalry between the young Valkyries core and Seattle’s exciting rebuild. Martin, still under her rookie-scale contract, is expected to face league review, while Johnson’s fearless approach has already boosted her rookie buzz.
As training camp winds down and the regular season looms, moments like this underscore the WNBA’s rising physicality and star power. Preseason just delivered its first major spark.