Valkyries’ Kiah Stokes exits Sparks game with concerning injury

Kiah Stokes was unable to finish the Golden State Valkyries’ contest against the Los Angeles Sparks due to an upper body injury on Sunday night.

Stokes has been playing in the WNBA since 2015, having represented three teams throughout her career. She spent the last five seasons with the Las Vegas Aces, winning three championships in that stretch. She has since departed to play for the Valkyries after joining them in the 2025-26 offseason.

Stokes shines as a rebounder and defender, helping Golden State achieve great results in their second season as an active franchise. In 20 minutes of action during the team’s clash with Los Angeles, she had five points, seven rebounds and three assists.

However, she had to leave the game in the fourth quarter. Stokes took an inadvertent elbow to the face on Cameron Brink’s drive to the rim. Stokes was down for a bit before getting up and walking back to the Valkyries team bench. Unfortunately, Golden State kept her from returning to the game following her diagnosis.

“Valkyries announce Kiah Stokes is out the rest of the game with a neck contusion,” reporter Kareem Copeland wrote.

How Kiah Stokes, Valkyries played against Sparks

Despite Kiah Stokes’ exit from the game, the Valkyries coasted to an 84-78 win over the Sparks on the road.

Four players scored in double-digits for Golden State in the win. Cecillia Zandalasini led the team with 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal. She shot 5-of-8 from the field, including a perfect 5-of-5 from beyond the arc. Tiffany Hayes came next with 14 points and three rebounds, Kayla Thornton had 11 points and seven rebounds, while Gabby Williams provided 11 points.

Golden State improved to a 23-9 record on the season, sitting at second place in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Las Vegas Aces and the Dallas Wings while trailing the Minnesota Lynx.

Rolling with four consecutive wins, the Valkyries will look forward to their next matchup. They are at home when they host the Chicago Sky on Aug. 12 at 10 p.m. ET.