Gabby Williams injury update: Valkyries forward suffers back contusion

Cydney Henderson, USA TODAYThu, Jul 9, 2026·1 min read

Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams earned her second consecutive All-Star nod last week, but her participation could be in jeopardy after she exited Wednesday's 83-75 win over the Toronto Tempo.

Williams was ruled out in the fourth quarter after suffering a back contusion earlier in the game. The 5-foot-11 forward took a hard, awkward fall with 5:00 remaining in the third while competing for a rebound with Toronto's Maria Conde. Conde ultimately came up with the ball and laid it up while Williams writhed in pain on the court.

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Williams was able to get up under her own power, slowly hoisting herself off the court as the Valkyries inbounded the ball. Conde helped Williams get her bearings before getting back on defense. Williams slowly made her way up the court while grabbing her lower back. She was eventually subbed out with 4:33 remaining and gingerly walked toward the bench.

She didn't return as the Valkyries outlasted Toronto to expand their winning streak to six games, the longest across the league. Williams' night ended with seven points (3-of-9 FG, 1-of-3 3PT), in addition to two assists, one steal and one rebound in 18 minutes.

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WNBA's Rookie of the Year award winners over the years

Paige Bueckers was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA draft, and the guard went on to win Rookie of the Year honors after averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game in her first season. (Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)

WNBA's Rookie of the Year award winners over the years

Williams is set to become Golden State’s first All-Star starter in franchise history.

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Williams leads Golden State in scoring with a career-high 15.3 points and 1.6 steals per game in her first season in the Bay Area, one year after leading the WNBA in steals and picking up a first-team All-Defense nod in Seattle. Her 35.3% shooting from 3-point range also marks a career high.

Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gabby Williams injury update: Valkyries forward suffers back contusion