The Golden State Valkyries will be without their leading scorer and emotional anchor for the remainder of the season. Forward Kayla Thornton underwent season-ending surgery on her right knee, the team announced Friday.
Thornton, 32, suffered the injury during a practice session earlier this week. The setback marks a significant blow to the Valkyries’ playoff hopes as they currently sit ninth in the WNBA standings with a 10-12 record.
In her first season with Golden State, Thornton emerged as the team’s most consistent two-way contributor, earning her first All-Star selection in the process. She leads the Valkyries in points (14.0), rebounds (7.0), and steals (1.3) per game, while also adding 1.5 assists and attempting a career-high 6.5 three-pointers per contest. Though she’s connected on just 28.2% from deep, she’s converted 44.8% of her two-point field goals.
Thornton joined the Valkyries in the 2025 Expansion Draft after helping the New York Liberty capture a WNBA championship off the bench in 2024. Her veteran presence quickly became a defining trait of a Golden State team that has surpassed expectations in its inaugural season.
“KT is super reliable,” Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase said earlier this season. “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.”
With Thornton out for the season, Golden State will look to veterans Tiffany Hayes and Veronica Burton to fill the void on both ends of the floor. The team enters a crucial stretch as it battles for a spot in the postseason.
Thornton is expected to be sidelined until the 2026 WNBA season.
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