It’s been a particular yr for the Golden State Valkyries, who at the moment sit only one recreation out of the playoff race and have exceeded expectations of their franchise’s inaugural season. However on Friday, the staff introduced some devastating information: Kayla Thornton, the staff’s main scorer and rebounder, is out for the rest of the season after present process knee surgical procedure.
Thornton was within the midst of one of the best season of her WNBA profession — and recent off her first All-Star look at age 32 — when she injured her proper knee in observe earlier this week.
Golden State Valkyries ahead Kayla Thornton, who suffered an harm to her proper knee earlier this week in observe, underwent a profitable surgical procedure earlier at this time in San Francisco.
Thornton will likely be out for the rest of the 2025 WNBA season and can start the rehabilitation… pic.twitter.com/DTOvTNCml6
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) July 25, 2025
The Valkyries didn’t share what precisely Thornton injured, however did write: “Thornton will likely be out for the rest of the 2025 WNBA season and can start the rehabilitation course of instantly.”
Earlier than her harm, Thornton averaged 14 factors, 7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals — all staff highs. She’s appeared in all 22 of the Valkyries video games and recorded 15 factors in final week’s All-Star recreation in Indianapolis.
Thorton was chosen by the Valkyries of their enlargement draft in December after being left unprotected by the New York Liberty, with whom she received a championship final yr.
Who will step up in Kayla Thornton’s absence?
Whereas her absence undoubtedly units the Valkyries again, Golden State has been one of the evenly balanced groups within the league. With Thornton sidelined, Tiffany Hayes (12.8 factors per recreation), Veronica Burton (11 factors), and Janelle Salaun (9.7 factors) will doubtless all up their manufacturing.
Forwards Cecilia Zandalasini and Monique Billings, heart Temi Fagbenle, and guards Kate Martin and Carla Leite might additionally all see elevated alternative.
