Watch Las Vegas Aces rally around Kate Martin after injury

Las Vegas Ace rookie Kate Martin was not short of support when she went down during Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Sky.

After Martin fell on the court during the first quarter, she was instantly surrounded by her teammates. They brought over towels and huddled around her, allowing her time away from the cameras before she stood up.

The former Iowa women’s basketball starter’s bond with her team warmed the hearts of fans who were also fearful for Martins’s health.

What happened to Aces rookie Kate Martin during game vs. Chicago Sky?

At the end of the first quarter of the Aces’ game against the Chicago Sky, Martin slipped on the court. She fell down holding her lower leg and needed help walking to the locker room.

Later in the game, Martin was back on the bench but did not play again. Aces coach Becky Hammon said she didn’t know anything other than Martin has a lower right leg injury, according to EPSN.

“I know she’s frickin’ tough so I don’t know how bad it is, but she’s a tough cookie,” Hammon said after the game. “For her to not come back, I’m hoping for the best.”

Las Vegas Aces teammate A’ja Wilson: Kate Martin is ‘one of us’

Following the game A’ja Wilson said during a news conference that the team wanted to protect Martin.

“We’re going to take care of her no matter what because she is one of us,” Wilson said. “She’s our sister and someone we are always going to depend and count on.”

Wilson also said the team didn’t want cameras or the internet taking advantage of her when she was injured.

“We try to protect her peace, her mental and just her emotion,” Wilson said. “You shouldn’t be afraid to show emotion. … Cameras don’t give us privacy and I get it, it’s their job to get the shot. But for us it kind of cut on that we are going to protect her at all cost because you never know what the internet or people may do.”

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.