In a game that had it all—struggles, comebacks, and drama—the Golden State Valkyries secured their first-ever WNBA victory with a 76-74 win over the Washington Mystics at Chase Center. This win included experiences from a historically bad 3-point shooting half to a game-winning buzzer-beater. Thus, the Valkyries’ debut victory was one for the ages.
Veronica Burton was the undisputed hero of the night, scoring a career-high 22 points. She nearly notched a double-double with nine rebounds. Her electrifying fourth quarter was the turning point in the Valkyries’ stunning victory. She scored 14 points—including three clutch 3-pointers—during this pivotal period. But it wasn’t just her shooting that sealed the win; Burton’s relentless drives to the rim helped shift the game’s momentum. This became crucial, especially after Tiffany Hayes, the team’s leading scorer, was forced to leave with a nose injury in the second quarter.
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The Valkyries’ first half was a struggle, with their 3-point shooting in particular setting the stage for what seemed like a historically bad performance. At one point, they were 0-for-20 from beyond the arc, tying a WNBA record for most missed 3-pointers to start a game. Yet, despite the poor shooting, the Valkyries held a slim 31-30 lead at halftime. This was thanks to Washington’s 18 turnovers, which Golden State converted into 17 points.
Janelle Salaün’s first career 3-pointer at 2:07 in the second quarter snapped the team’s embarrassing cold streak from deep. Though the Valkyries finished just 7-for-37 from 3-point range, they found other ways to stay in the game. Burton and Carla Leite, who came off the bench to score 10 points, helped drive the ball to the basket. Leite finished a game-high plus-17 in 21 minutes. Together, they finished with 28 points in the paint.
While the Valkyries’ shooting woes continued, their defense was stellar. Golden State’s ability to force turnovers—13 in total—was key to overcoming their offensive struggles. Adding to the Mystics’ frustration, the Valkyries snagged 11 offensive rebounds. They capitalized on Washington’s mistakes, creating extra opportunities and ultimately gaining 29 more possessions.
With the game on the line in the final minute, Burton hit the dagger—a 3-pointer with 30 seconds remaining. This gave Golden State a commanding seven-point lead. That sealed the deal for the Valkyries, who, despite the adversity and cold shooting, found a way to win.
For head coach Natalie Nakase, this victory was a testament to the resilience and grit of her team. “The way they responded after Tiffany went down, the way they kept fighting despite the shooting struggles—this is what we’re about,” she said. The win not only marked the Valkyries’ first in franchise history. It also marked a massive step forward in their quest to become a force in the WNBA.
The Golden State Valkyries (1-1) may have started the season rough, but this gritty win against Washington shows they’re more than just a team with potential—they’re ready to compete.
