Veronica Burton had a rough start to the season in last week's opener, but the point guard showed exactly what she was capable of in a career-best performance on Thursday night. The Northwestern legend did everything for Golden State as the Valkyries earned their first win in franchise history, defeating the Washington Mystics, 76-74.

Burton, drafted in 2022, had been cut by Dallas last season and found a home with the Sun. Then, she was chosen by the newest WNBA franchise in December's expansion draft.

And on Wednesday night, that meant a balanced roster of women who hadn't quite ever had the chance to shine in the WNBA found themselves chasing the broader context here. The Valkyries had lost the first regular season game in the history of their franchise,