In a moment that perfectly blended heart, history, and pure basketball love, the entire arena erupted in thunderous applause Saturday night as Caitlin Clark reunited with her longtime friend Kate Martin and teammate Temi Fagbenle in a heartwarming pre-game scene that instantly went viral.
It was more than just a hug — it was a reunion filled with raw emotion, unbreakable bonds, and the kind of authenticity that reminded fans why the WNBA is experiencing its most electric season in years.
The crowd, already on its feet for warmups, burst into deafening cheers as Clark walked toward Martin and Temi with a massive smile — arms wide, eyes sparkling — before the three women embraced like sisters reuniting after years apart.
THE HISTORY: FROM COLLEGE TO PROS, A FRIENDSHIP THAT STUCK
Fans of women’s college basketball will remember the deep connection between Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin, who were more than just teammates at the University of Iowa — they were sisters in grind, lifting each other through the highs and lows of record-breaking seasons and NCAA heartbreaks.
Though drafted by different teams in the WNBA — Clark to the Indiana Fever and Martin to the Las Vegas Aces — the bond never faded.
“She’s one of my favorite people on the planet,” Clark once said of Martin. “We went through everything together — she’s family.”
And then there’s Temi Fagbenle, the British-Nigerian big who instantly became Clark’s anchor in Indiana. From calming her in chaotic games to being a vocal leader on and off the court, Temi has quickly emerged as one of Clark’s closest confidantes in the pros.
THE MOMENT: FANS WEREN’T READY FOR THE EMOTION
It happened just before tipoff. As the national anthem ended, and players lined up for handshakes, Clark spotted Martin and Temi on the sideline — and without hesitation, jogged over.
The three locked in a long embrace, with Martin visibly emotional and Temi lifting Clark off the floor in a full bear hug.
The arena? Absolutely lost its mind.
Fans screamed.
Cameras flashed.
ESPN’s sideline reporter teared up.
And within seconds, clips of the moment were trending across X, Instagram, and TikTok under hashtags like #ClarkMartinReunion and #WNBAHeart.
“That moment was everything,” one fan posted. “We don’t talk enough about how much these women love each other. That’s real family.”
PLAYERS AND COACHES CHIME IN
Even opposing players on the court smiled and applauded the heartfelt reunion.
A’ja Wilson, who stood just feet away: “That was beautiful. You can’t fake that kind of connection.”
Coach Christie Sides of the Fever: “It gave me chills. This league is built on stories like theirs.”
Temi, ever the emotional force, joked after the game:
“I tried not to cry in front of the cameras, but Caitlin and Kate ruined that. We’ll blame them!”
SOCIAL MEDIA MELTS: “THE WNBA NEEDED THIS”
The moment reminded fans and doubters alike that the WNBA isn’t just about basketball — it’s about relationships, loyalty, and love for the game.
“That hug between Clark, Martin & Temi is why I watch.”
“More of this, please. This is how you build a league people care about.”
“Let’s be real — Caitlin brings out the best in everyone around her.”
FINAL WORD: A MOMENT FOR THE AGES
In a season filled with buzzer-beaters, heated rivalries, and growing tensions, it took a simple hug — shared between friends turned pros — to remind us all what this game is really about.
Caitlin Clark, Kate Martin, and Temi Fagbenle didn’t just reunite on the hardwood.
They reunited in the hearts of millions.
And for one unforgettable moment…
Basketball felt like family.
