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Valkyries All-Star Has Strong Words About Caitlin Clark on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 3:35 PM ET

After missing five straight games with a groin injury, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was finally able to make her return on Wednesday.

Clark's return was spoiled as Kayla Thornton and the Golden State Valkyries defeated the Fever 80-61 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Now, Indiana is 0-2 on the season against Golden State.

Clark couldn't get much going on the offensive end, tallying 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting, five rebounds and six assists. Kelsey Mitchell led the way for the Fever with 12 points. Thornton, on the other hand, tallied 18 points on 4-of-15 shooting, eight rebounds and two assists.

Although Clark has missed half of Indiana’s 20 games during the 2025 WNBA season, the former Iowa Hawkeyes star still received the most fan votes for the All-Star Game, earning her captain honors and the opportunity to draft her team. One of her picks was Valkyries star Thornton, who had nothing but praise for Clark.

After the win, Thornton joined the media for a postgame press conference. When discussing the win, Thornton opened up about their game plan for Clark, leaving praise for the Fever star in the process.

"Caitlin Clark is Caitlin Clark," Thornton said. "It’s just about taking away her tendencies…She’s going to get her shot off, that’s just who she is."

Kayla Thornton on defending Caitlin Clark

"Caitlin Clark is Caitlin Clark…it’s just about taking away her tendencies…she’s going to get her shot off, that’s just who she is."
— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) July 9, 2025

Thornton, in her first year with Golden State, is having the best start of her 10-year WNBA career. She is averaging career-highs of 14.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

Up next for the Valkyries is a battle with the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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