Golden State Valkyries surge on Burton breakout as they push toward the playoffs
The expansion-season hype around the Golden State Valkyries took another big step forward with an 88-83 win over the Washington Mystics in DC, a victory that nudges the Valkyries two games above the playoff line after a 7-3 surge to start the second half. At the center of the breakthrough is Veronica Burton, whose breakout night gave fans a glimpse of what the team hoped to unlock all along.
Burton, the 30-point, seven-rebound, seven-assist effort marked a career-high on the scoring column, shooting 10-for-13 from the floor and 6-for-9 from three. It was a performance that underscored Burton’s growth after seasons with limited opportunities in past stops. She explained afterward that opportunity and trust have been crucial to her improvement, crediting a supportive coaching staff and teammates that have helped her elevate her game.
The night wasn’t only Burton’s show. Cecilia Zandalasini added 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists, hitting four three-pointers, including timely treys in the pivotal moments. Tiffany Hayes contributed 14 points, including a pair of late free throws that helped seal the win. The Valkyries’ depth was on display, as nine players averaged between 12.2 and 5.5 points per game on the season took the floor, signaling a balanced attack that has become a hallmark of the early era in Golden State.
The result mattered beyond the numbers. Golden State learned to navigate adversity in a season that saw Kayla Thornton, their All-Star representative, suffer a season-ending knee injury in practice. The team has leaned into that loss as added motivation, playing with purpose for Thornton and embracing the opportunity to prove they can contend without their star. Head coach Natalie Nakase highlighted the collective effort, noting that the roster’s strength comes from the people around Burton and from the shared sense of responsibility that has grown since Thornton went down.
Washington fought back at several points, cutting a 25-point deficit down to four in the final minute, but the Valkyries closed it out with disciplined defense and timely baskets. Burton and Zandalasini provided the three-point punch in the third quarter, helping to steady a stretch when the Mystics were making a push. Burton added two more three-pointers in the fourth, finishing off her night with a flourish as Golden State held on.
Momentum in the standings has translated into a stronger road presence as well. The Valkyries secured their seventh road win in 2025, completing a road sweep of the Mystics and securing a 3-0 season-series lead with one game remaining. The Bay Area crowd has amplified the team’s confidence, and the group is eager to extend that energy on the road where they’ve shown growth and resilience.
Key moments and players
– Burton’s breakout: 30 points on 10-of-13 shooting, 7 assists, 7 rebounds, 6-of-9 from three, a performance that has many around the league taking notice of what she can become as the season progresses.
– Zandalasini’s timely shooting: Hit multiple clutch threes in the third quarter and finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
– Hayes’ perimeter opening: Attacked the basket early, drawing free throws and contributing 14 points to stretch the Mystics’ defense.
– Defensive pivot late: Washington’s Sonia Citron was held scoreless in the first half, then limited Burton’s counterparts late to keep the game within reach.
What this means going forward
– Burton’s rise changes the equation for Golden State. If she continues to blend shooting with playmaking, the Valkyries become a more difficult matchup in the postseason chase.
– The loss of Thornton, while painful, has catalyzed a unifying team identity. The roster’s depth and willingness to share responsibility are now central strengths.
– The Valkyries’ road success and season-series dominance against strong opponents signal a confident voice in the locker room as they push toward the final stretch of the regular season.
Additional comments and context
– The team’s ability to convert a large lead into a win shows growth in execution and decision-making under pressure. Golden State’s shooters, including Burton and Zandalasini, combined for a strong 12-for-17 from long range in the game, highlighting their comfort level when the defense tilts toward them.
– The coaching staff’s emphasis on trust, film review, and continuous improvement appears to be paying dividends. Burton’s own acknowledgment of the impact of opportunity and a supportive environment points to a developing culture that can sustain success even when key players are sidelined.
Overall, the Valkyries continue to transform expectations through a balanced, opportunistic attack led by Burton’s emergence. If this level of play sustains, Golden State could become a formidable force in the playoff chase, turning early expansion optimism into durable momentum.