The Golden State Valkyries looked set to throttle the visiting Seattle Storm early, riding the energy of a boisterous home crowd. Yet midway through the third quarter, that exuberance gave way to collective unease as star forward Kayla Thornton collided with Storm’s Nneka Ogwumike, setting a screen.
Thornton landed awkwardly and clutched her neck before being assisted off the court in clear discomfort in the third quarter. She did not return to the game following that.
Kayla Thornton Leaves Mid-Game After Sustaining Neck Injury
Despite Thornton’s abrupt exit, Golden State rolled to an 84-57 victory, improving to 9-7 on the young season. But the frenzy was tempered by the unanswered question of Thornton’s health. The team announced she sustained a neck injury and will not return to Sunday’s contest (June 29).
The official X handle of Golden State Valkyries posted that she is undergoing further evaluation. According to the team’s social media update, it read: “Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton sustained an injury and exited tonight’s game in the third quarter. Thornton is undergoing further evaluation and will not return.”
Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton sustained an injury and exited tonight’s game in the third quarter.
Thornton is undergoing further evaluation and will not return.
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) June 30, 2025
Per ESPN’s report, Thornton logged 19 minutes before departing, finishing with two points (1‑9 FG, 0‑5 3PT) and five boards. Meanwhile, the lack of a clear diagnosis has fueled concern across the Bay Area.
Entering the contest, Thornton was pacing Golden State, averaging 15.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game this season. In a previous game against the same Storm, Thornton scored a 22‐point and 12-rebound double-double on June 14.
Valkyries Quell the Storm 84-57
Golden State Valkyries struck early, building a 7‑point lead by halftime thanks to balanced scoring. Hayes poured in 21 points and four assists, while Veronica Burton chipped in 15 points, five boards, and five assists, keeping the Storm scrambling.
In the third quarter, Thornton was assisted off the court and to the locker room. Unfazed, Golden State exploded for a 31‑point third quarter. They held Seattle to just 17 points. Laeticia Amihere filled some of Thornton’s minutes, contributing 15 points and eight rebounds. Valkyries’ bench tallied 32 points against Seattle’s 14.
Golden State’s stifling defense held Seattle to just 27% shooting overall and a season‑low 21.4% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Valkyries led the night with 48.4% shooting. Skylar Diggins’ 18 points and Erica Wheeler’s 13 points couldn’t keep the Storm steady for long. The Golden State Valkyries beat the Seattle Storm 84-57 in a similar fashion to their previous 76-70 win on June 14.
The seriousness of Thornton’s injury is yet unknown. Golden State could most probably go for an MRI to assess the situation, as expected. If results are favorable and Thornton’s injury isn’t that severe, then she may sit out one or two games. However, any sign of ligament strain or disc involvement would push her recovery into a multi‑week timeline.
In Thornton’s absence, the Valkyries’ frontcourt depth will be tested. Golden State returns to action on July 5 against the Minnesota Lynx at the Target Center. Before that, Thornton’s status will officially be updated.
