22
May
Watch Now
'Spirited' Burton leads Valkyries in WNBA history
Veronica Burton #22 of the Golden State Valkyries is guarded by Jade Melbourne #5 of the Washington Mystics during the second half at Chase Center on May 22, 2025 in San Francisco, California. Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Highlights
Bendigo Spirit's Veronica Burton's 22-points secures Golden State's first win in franchise history
- Veronica Burton propelled Golden State to their first win in WNBA history
- Burton played for the Bendigo Spirit in WNBL 2024-25
- Jade Melbourne finished with eight points, seven rebounds and seven assists
Australian star Steph Talbot and WNBL Bendigo Spirit guard Veronica Burton are now part of WNBA history — the first win by expansion team Golden State Valkyries.
Burton, 24, led the Valkyries in scoring with 22 points as the Valkyries held off Australian Opals guard Jade Melbourne's Washington Mystics 76-74 at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
Melbourne played 29 minutes off the bench, finishing with eight points on 3-from-5 from the field, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Talbot was 0-from-2 from the field in eight minutes but made a free throw and grabbed a board.
Key Details
- Result: Golden State Valkyries 76 def. Washington Mystics 74
- When: May 22, 2025
- Where: Chase Center, San Francisco
- Standings: Washington Mystics (#6) | Golden State Valkyries (#8)
By the Numbers
- Veronica Burton (Golden State Valkyries) starred with 22 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals in 29 minutes.
- Brittney Sykes (Washington Mystics) scored 30 points, and had five rebounds, three assists and one steal in 33 minutes.
What Happened
Golden State Valkyries survived a late Washington surge to secure a narrow 76-74 victory at Chase Center. The home team overcame an early deficit after trailing 14-11 in the first quarter, responding with a strong second period to take a 31-30 halftime lead. Both teams matched each other with 16 points apiece in the third quarter before an explosive final period where the teams combined for 57 points.
Washington's Brittney Sykes delivered an exceptional individual performance, accounting for 30 of her team's 74 points on efficient 8-from-19 shooting. Her 11-from-14 effort from the free-throw line kept the Mystics within striking distance throughout the contest. However, Golden State's balanced attack ultimately proved decisive in the close encounter.
Veronica Burton led the Valkyries with a stellar all-round performance, contributing 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists. The guard was particularly effective from three-point range, connecting on 3-from-4 attempts while also showing her prowess at the charity stripe by hitting 7-from-8 free throws. Kayla Thornton added 18 points including six crucial free throws without a miss.
The Valkyries won despite shooting just 31.9 percent from the field compared to Washington's 37.9 percent. Golden State's advantage came from generating more free throw opportunities (28 attempts to Washington's 23) and forcing 17 Mystics turnovers while committing just 11 themselves. The home team's bench also outscored Washington's reserves 18-12, providing valuable depth throughout the contest.
For the Mystics, Kiki Iriafen dominated the glass with 12 rebounds to accompany her 10 points, while rookie Sonia Citron added 10 points and eight rebounds. Australian guard Jade Melbourne contributed eight points, seven rebounds and seven assists in 29 minutes off the bench for Washington, showcasing her all-round abilities despite committing four turnovers.
.jpg)
