Valkyries Win Franchise’s First Victory Over The Mystics (5-22-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: IMAGN
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Veronica Burton had a career night in her first season with the newly expanded Golden State Valkyries, leading them to not only their first win of the season but of existence in a closely-tied, 76-74, finish at the Chase Center yesterday evening.
Burton scored a career-high 22 points with nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals. She hit two big three-pointers in the final two minutes, with the last one coming with 29.1 seconds left, putting the Valkyries (1-1) ahead 73-66.
Forward Kayla Thornton chipped in 18 points, with five rebounds, two steals, and a game-high +19 rating when on the floor.
The Mystics (2-1) dropped their first game of the season. They had a two-possession lead in the fourth with 6:30 left on the clock after rookie Kiki Iriafen made a putback layup.
Veteran guard Brittney Sykes once again led the way for Washington, scoring 30 points, shooting 3-for-5 from three, and 11-of-14 from the charity stripe.
Iriafen and third overall pick Sonia Citron each finished with 10 points.
Washington outshot Golden State from the field and three, while also out-rebounding (43-37), and finishing with more assists (19-15).
Valkyries’ guard Tiffany Hayes left the game in the first half after catching an arm to the face by Washington’s Shakira Austin.
Up Next:
Washington heads to Vegas to take on Aja Wilson and the Aces on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET.
