WNBA Used One Word to Describe Kayla Thornton's Play Against Chicago Sky

The expansion Golden State Valkyries entered Friday's matchup against the Chicago Sky at .500 (7-7), eager to inch above break-even on their home court.

The Sky, meanwhile, carried a 4-10 mark into San Francisco, led by double-double machine Angel Reese, the WNBA’s leader in rebounds (11.9 per game).

However, during the first quarter of play, it was one of Golden State's players who drew attention from the WNBA.

With the score 5-2 in favor of Chicago, Valkyries guard Kayla Thornton rocked a step-back 3-pointer, setting the tone early in a tightly contested affair.

Immediately afterwards, the WNBA posted on X a clip of the highlight, calling her stepback "VICIOUS."

Prior to the WNBA, Thornton starred at UTEP, ending her collegiate career as El Paso’s all-time leading scorer (663) and earning first-team All-Conference USA honors in 2014 and twice landing on the C-USA All-Defensive Team. 

Undrafted in 2014, she fought her way into the Washington Mystics roster in 2015, then spent six seasons with the Dallas Wings (2017-2022) before helping propel the New York Liberty to the franchise's first title in 2024. 

In December of last year, she was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft, a selection that immediately paid dividends. 

Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (left) dribbles against Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard (6).

© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

This season, Thornton has taken on a true leadership role. 

She entered Friday’s contest averaging 14.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game, pacing the Valkyries in each category. 

Her efforts earned her Western Conference Player of the Week honors in mid-June, and she is already making a case to become the Valkyries’ first-ever All-Star.