Kayla Thornton’s Remarkable Season with the Golden State Valkyries

At 32, Kayla Thornton had only once averaged double-digit points in her WNBA career, posting numbers of 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds in 20.3 minutes last year, which contributed to her team’s first-ever championship. However, in a surprising move, the franchise left her unprotected during the expansion draft, opting instead to protect Sabina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Leonie Fiebich, Jonquel Jones, Nyara Sabally, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.

The Golden State Valkyries then selected Thornton.

Since joining the Bay Area team, Thornton has thrived like never before. In her tenth season, she achieved career highs by averaging 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. This season has seen her score 29, 22, and 21 points in various games, showcasing her impressive versatility. In June, she earned the title of Western Conference Player of the Week, with averages of 20 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.

This year’s performance marks a significant shift from her usual output, and she’s made All-Star status for the first time. It’s quite uncommon for a player to nearly double their output between seasons, yet Thornton has managed to do so. After averaging just 7.6 and 4.4 points over her career, she’s now at the forefront of her team’s efforts.

Kayla Thornton’s Contribution to the Valkyries’ Success

The Valkyries began their season with a 10-12 record, and Thornton emerged as the most dependable player on the roster. Although she has faced challenges recently, having made only three of her last 21 attempts, her influence extends far beyond just her performance on the court.

Teammate Kate Martin has also noted Thornton’s leadership within the team. “It’s about more than just basketball,” Martin commented after Thornton’s standout 29-point game in June. “She’s a remarkable person, someone you want to be around. A fantastic leader in the locker room and a great friend… She’s everything you could want, plus an excellent basketball player.”

Following the same game, head coach Natalie Nakaze highlighted Thornton’s significance as well, saying, “We had a rough start and struggled, so we turned to KT.”