Burton on Fire, Valkyries Hold Off Late Mystics Charge in 88-83 Victory

The night belonged to Veronica Burton, who continues to make her case for the WNBA's Most Improved Player.

Burton’s career-high 30 points on a blistering 10-for-13 shooting, including 6-for-9 from three-point range, powered the Golden State Valkyries to an 88-83 road win over the Washington Mystics on Wednesday night. She added seven rebounds and seven assists, helping Golden State withstand a furious Washington rally that cut a 25-point deficit to just three with under a minute remaining.

Veronica's 30 points is the most by any Valkyries player this season and that stat line placed Burton in elite company, making her just the third player in WNBA history to record at least 30 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists while shooting 75 percent or better from the field in a game.

Head coach Natalie Nakase praised Burton’s transformation this year, calling her “a selfless person” who has built strong relationships with teammates and coaches, and credited her ability to adapt to a new environment as a driving force behind her improvement.

The Valkyries continued their remarkable debut season by not only extending their winning streak to three games but also cementing their place in WNBA history.

With the win, Golden State improved to 17-15, tying the 1998 Detroit Shock for the most victories by an expansion team outside of the league’s inaugural season. While the Shock reached their milestone in 30 games, the Valkyries matched it in 32.

From the start, Golden State’s offensive execution was dazzling. Cecilia Zandalasini set the tone just over a minute into the game with a three-pointer that gave the Valkyries a 5-2 lead, one they never relinquished.

The first quarter was an offensive clinic where Golden State scored 30 points while shooting a blazing 81.8 percent from the floor, including 80 percent from beyond the arc, and converting all eight of their free throws. It was the third time this season they opened a game with 30 or more points in the first quarter, and it immediately put Washington on the back foot.

Similar to Burton, Zandalasini was equally lethal from deep, also draining six three-pointers enroute to a career-high 20 points on 70 percent shooting. She reached the 500 career point mark early in the second quarter and contributed seven rebounds and four assists.

It was the first time this season the Valkyries had two 20-point scorers in the same game. Burton and Zandalasini became the only WNBA teammates this year to each make six threes in a single contest. The team connected on a franchise-record 15 three-pointers, shooting a season-best 46.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Nakase credited the team’s “let it fly” mentality and noted that Washington’s zone defense opened the floor for clean looks. “I actually think the zone helped us get the threes because that let them be wide open,” she said, emphasizing the players’ trust in making in-game adjustments.

Tiffany Hayes chipped in 14 points and six rebounds, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, while Janelle Salaün added 11 points on efficient 55.6 percent shooting.

Despite controlling much of the game, the Valkyries had to withstand a furious Washington rally in the fourth quarter. Leading by as many as 25, Golden State saw the Mystics mount a 29-9 run, capped by Sonia Citron’s flurry of scoring and playmaking. Citron’s three-point play, deep triple, and assist to Sug Sutton for a corner three cut the deficit to just 86-83 with under a minute remaining.

Hayes calmly sank two clutch free throws with 15.4 seconds left to seal the win and silence the home crowd.

For Washington, Sutton and Citron each finished with 15 points, with Sutton also dishing seven assists.

Rookie Kiki Iriafen posted her 10th double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Emily Engstler went 5-for-5 from the field for 13 points, including three triples.

Jade Melbourne added 10 points. The Mystics, coming off a decisive win over Dallas on Sunday, have now dropped five of their last six games.

During postgame, Burton credited her success to the confidence instilled by her coaches and teammates, saying, “Opportunity is a big thing. I’ve been grateful to have an opportunity to play and compete.”

Zandalasini acknowledged the need to sharpen late-game execution but took pride in the team’s road composure. “On the road it’s never easy. So that’s a big win for us.”

For the Valkyries, the victory was about more than just the standings. With forward Kayla Thornton sidelined, Nakase spoke about the team’s motivation to play for her, saying they take the court with “purpose” and “responsibility” to honor a beloved teammate.

That shared drive, combined with record-setting shooting and career-best performances, has positioned Golden State not just as a feel-good expansion story but as a disruptor continuing to make noise during the playoff stretch.

UP NEXT

• Golden State takes on the Chicago Sky this Friday, August 15 at 4:30 p.m. PT on ION and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.