The Golden State Valkyries will be without All-Star Kayla Thornton when the expansion squad opens the second half of the WNBA season Friday at Chase Center against the Dallas Wings.
Thornton is undergoing evaluation for a lower leg injury, the Valkyries announced Thursday night. The team did not say how the star was injured or when she got hurt.
The news comes five days after Thornton, in her 10th season in the league, played a game-high 25 minutes for Team Clark in the All-Star Game in Indianapolis. Thornton had 15 points, a game-high 11 rebounds, five assists and a steal for in Team Clark’s 151-131 win.
(L-R) Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx and Kayla Thornton #5 of the Golden State Valkyries during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Valkyries (10-12) open the second half of the season in ninth place, a half-game behind the Las Vegas Aces for the final playoff spot. Golden State has 22 games remaining as it attempts to become the first expansion team to make the playoffs in WNBA history.
Golden State ended the first half on a three-game losing streak, and after Friday’s home game plays five in a row on the road.
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