​Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams earned her second straight All-Star selection last week, but her status for upcoming games was put into question after she exited Wednesday’s 83-75 victory over the Toronto Tempo. Williams was ruled out in the fourth quarter following a back contusion sustained earlier in the contest. The 5-foot-11 forward took a jarring, awkward tumble while battling for a rebound with Toronto’s Maria Conde with 5:00 left in the third quarter. Conde ultimately secured the ball and scored on a layup as Williams writhed in pain on the court.
Williams was able to rise under her own power, slowly lifting herself to her feet as the Valkyries inbounded the ball. Conde helped steady Williams as she got back on defense. The guard slowly moved up the floor, clutching her lower back, before being substituted out with 4:33 remaining. She did not return to the game, with Golden State extending its winning streak to six games, the longest current stretch in the league.
Williams finished the night with seven points on 3-of-9 shooting, plus one three-pointer, two assists, one steal and one rebound over 18 minutes of play. Her injury cast a shadow over the matchup, though the Valkyries managed to hold on for the win without one of their star players.
The 2024-25 season has showcased Williams as a central figure for Golden State. She leads the team in scoring, averaging a career-best 15.3 points per game, while also contributing 1.6 steals per contest. This marks a notable leap for the guard, who previously led the WNBA in steals and earned a first-team All-Defense nod during a standout season with Seattle. Williams’s 3-point shooting has also reached a career-high, as she shoots at a 35.3% clip from beyond the arc, helping to diversify the Valkyries’ offensive attack.
Her current run of strong performances comes as Golden State aims to capitalize on the momentum built by Williams’s prolific start. If she recovers fully, the team hopes she’ll return to the court soon to continue serving as the focal point of the Valkyries’ offense, providing scoring punch, playmaking, and defensive pressure on the perimeter.
For fans and followers seeking updates on Williams’s health and potential return, team officials have not issued a definitive timetable. The Valkyries will monitor her recovery closely, prioritizing safety and long-term readiness to ensure she can resume contributing at the highest level. Williams’s early-season impact—marked by a career-high scoring pace and standout defensive numbers—has already underscored her value to Golden State as they push to sustain their place among the league’s elite.
If you’re tracking the latest in Williams’s status, keep an eye on team communications and trusted outlets for any updates on her availability and recovery timeline. As Golden State coordinates its approach to her return, the hope remains that Williams will be able to rejoin the lineup soon and continue to anchor the Valkyries’ success with her scoring, defense, and leadership on the floor.