Thornton is a solid three-sport athlete for the Cavaliers. She takes her time and pounds hard crosses to side lines. Thornton takes her time and pounds balls through double blocks. Thornton also smokes balls to open corners. She puts over balls with a nice wrist snap, leading to a solid downward trajectory. Thornton is not easy to dig up when she has great spacing away from the net. Thornton also uses her off (left) hand to tip balls over double blocks if defensive specialists are playing back.

Thornton is sound at controlling the net. She goes up and places balls nicely away from opponents. Thornton has a quick arm swing and follow-through for a great downward trajectory. Thornton executes sound gap shots and ones. Thornton is not afraid to go high and win jousts. Thornton can angle balls off blockers and out of bounds for points. Thornton is not afraid to use her off (left) hand to suprise opponents.