Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton will miss the remainder of the season due to a right knee injury that required surgery, the team confirmed Friday. The injury occurred during practice earlier this week, abruptly ending her 2025 campaign and raising questions about the team’s prospects as the playoffs approach.
Thornton’s Impact on the Valkyries’ 2025 Season
At 32 years old, Thornton was having a standout year, earning her first All-Star selection in the WNBA. Previously, she played a pivotal role for the New York Liberty during their 2024 championship run before being chosen by Golden State in the 2025 Expansion Draft. She quickly became a central figure on the Valkyries, who have surpassed preseason expectations and currently hold a 10-12 record in ninth place.
Leading the team in points, rebounds, and steals, Thornton averaged 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. She demonstrated efficiency by shooting 44.8% from two-point range and expanded her three-point attempts to a career-high 6.5 per game, despite a lower 28.2% conversion rate from beyond the arc.
Leadership and Contribution Valued by Coaches
Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase emphasized Thornton’s reliability and work ethic as cornerstones for the team’s momentum. Nakase stated,
“She’s built confidence through her hard work. I love when people show me that they want to be that person. They just don’t talk about it, but KT backs it up with action and that’s what I love about her. When she is consistent and vocal, we usually come out with a W.”
This recognition highlights how Thornton’s presence extended beyond statistics, boosting team morale and playing a critical role in the Valkyries’ competitive edge.
Adjustments Ahead for Golden State as Playoffs Near
With Thornton sidelined for the rest of the year and expected to return in 2026, Golden State will rely heavily on players like Tiffany Hayes and Veronica Burton to fill the offensive gap. Their increased roles will be essential in the Valkyries’ quest to make the playoffs amid a challenging stretch of the season.
The loss of their leading scorer and defender delivers a significant challenge, but the team’s resilience and depth will be tested as they pursue postseason success without Thornton.