The Golden State Valkyries just dropped a WNBA expansion team statement game in Washington D.C., riding career nights from Veronica Burton and Cecilia Zandalasini to an 88–83 victory over the Mystics on Wednesday. Veronica Burton career-high performance was a highlight of the game.
Burton and Zandalasini combined for a jaw-dropping 50 points and 12 three-pointers, rewriting both their own career highs and the Valkyries’ record books. Burton was absolutely lights out, scoring a franchise-record 30 points on 10-for-13 shooting, including 6-for-9 from deep, while adding seven rebounds and seven assists. Zandalasini stayed in flamethrower mode with 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting and 6-for-8 from three, plus six boards and four dimes. Indeed, Veronica Burton career-high scores set a new standard for the team.
This was more than a win — it was a WNBA inaugural season milestone. The Valkyries tied the Detroit Shock’s record for most wins by an expansion team (17), while extending their win streak to three straight and strengthening their grip on the No. 7 seed in the WNBA playoff race. Veronica Burton career-high performance played a crucial role in achieving this milestone.
Valkyries Start on Fire
Golden State came out sizzling, dropping an 18-0 run in the first half to go up 36–12. They hit 11 of their first 13 shots, six from beyond the arc, and sent a clear message: this road trip is business. Zandalasini tied her career-best with four threes in the opening half, while Burton posted 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists before halftime. Tiffany Hayes chipped in 10 points on a perfect 6-for-6 from the stripe.
Mystics Fight Back — Valks Answer
Washington clawed back, trimming a 25-point gap to single digits in the third. But Burton kept her foot on the gas with 11 points in the quarter, and Zandalasini’s deep dagger pushed the lead back to 18. In the fourth, All-Star Sonia Citron erupted for 13 points, fueling a late Mystics rally that brought the game within one possession.
That’s when Burton went full closer mode — scoring nine points in the final frame to seal the win and deliver a signature road victory.
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