Valkyries Earn First-Ever Win in 76–74 Thriller Over Mystics

SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries marked a historic milestone on Wednesday night in front of a roaring home crowd at Chase Center, securing the franchise’s first-ever victory with a 76–74 win over the Washington Mystics. Energized by a sellout crowd of 18,064, their second consecutive full house to open the season, the Valkyries delivered in dramatic fashion.

The finish was powered by a clutch performance from Veronica Burton, who emerged as the game’s hero by drilling two late-game three-pointers, including the decisive shot with just 29 seconds remaining. With defenders closing in, Burton coolly launched from beyond the arc, sinking the dagger that pushed Golden State ahead by seven and effectively sealed the win.

Burton’s late-game heroics punctuated an all-around standout performance in which she recorded a career-high 22 points along with nine rebounds and five assists. She delivered under pressure when it mattered most, also hitting a go-ahead three with 1:38 left, moments before teammate Kayla Thornton knocked down a critical four-point play that electrified the Chase Center crowd. “These are the moments you don't forget,” Burton said after the game, clearly savoring both the win and the culmination of weeks of preparation and anticipation.

The scene at the buzzer captured the spirit of the evening. Streamers cascaded from the rafters, Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski danced courtside, and Valkyries players soaked coach Natalie Nakase in a celebratory locker room ambush. “We've only played 80 minutes together, but it's a credit to everyone prepping and putting in their hard work,” Nakase said. The victory, she emphasized, wasn't about lifting a burden but was simply the next step in building something special.

While the night ended in triumph, it was not an easy road to get there. The Valkyries opened the game in a deep offensive freeze, missing their first 17 attempts from beyond the arc, tying a WNBA record in the process. It wasn’t until rookie Janelle Salaun sank a three-pointer with just over two minutes left in the first half that Golden State finally saw one fall. That shot sparked some momentum, and Burton then banked in a Caitlin Clark-style deep three at the buzzer to give the Valkyries a 31–30 lead heading into halftime.

The tightly contested battle continued through the second half. The Valkyries led by just one point entering the fourth quarter and had to dig deep to fend off Washington’s late push. Brittney Sykes led the Mystics with 30 points and briefly put her team ahead by converting two free throws with under two minutes remaining. However, Golden State responded decisively, showing a resilience that belied their status as an expansion team.

Thornton’s contribution proved just as vital as Burton’s. The veteran forward tallied 18 points, including that pivotal four-point play late in the game that gave Golden State breathing room. Her efforts were matched by Salaun, who in her WNBA debut not only scored 10 points but also secured a crucial rebound in the final moments, showcasing the grit and readiness that had made her a Finals MVP overseas before joining the league. Salaun earned that honor playing in the Lega Basket Femminile (LBF), Italy’s premier national league for women’s basketball clubs.

The victory came despite adversity. Tiffany Hayes, an important veteran presence, exited late in the first half after taking an elbow to the face from Washington’s Shakira Austin. Hayes was down for several minutes, and the situation appeared serious enough that the medical staff initially brought out a stretcher. Ultimately, she was helped off the court with a towel to her face and offered a reassuring thumbs-up on her way to the locker room, but did not return to the game. The Valkyries, however, remained undeterred and rallied behind their remaining core.

Golden State’s overall shooting numbers were rough, finishing at just 39.1 percent from the field and a frigid 18.9 percent from long range. Still, Nakase has consistently encouraged her team to embrace their identity as a fast-paced, three-point-oriented offense. She urges them to keep taking good looks, trusting that percentages will balance out over time. Burton echoed that sentiment, noting that when the long-range shots aren’t falling, the team is also aggressive in the paint and transition, always seeking other ways to generate offense.

Now 1–1 on the season, the Valkyries will look to carry this momentum into their first road trip, which begins Friday against the Los Angeles Sparks. While the season is still young, Wednesday’s win was more than a notch in the standings. It was a validation of effort, vision, and belief. For a team built on ambition and guided by determination, it was the perfect first chapter in what promises to be an exciting story.

For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit www.valkyries.wnba.com.