Veronica Burton is proving to be a difference-maker for the Golden State Valkyries.
Acquired in the 2025 WNBA Expansion Draft from the Connecticut Sun, Burton led the WNBA’s newest franchise to its first-ever win in May when her 22 points helped power the Valkyries past the Mystics, 76-74.
The point guard was a force against Washington again Wednesday night in Golden State’s 88-83 victory. Burton’s career-high 30 points are the first in Golden State’s history. Plus, she sank six 3-pointers and shot 75% from the field while also recording seven rebounds and seven assists.
Making Headlines 🏀@Veronicaab22 had everyone talking after a career-best 30-point showing against Washington 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0SVR92vVuF
— Northwestern Women’s Basketball (@nuwbball) August 14, 2025
“V being the most improved, it’s a no-brainer,” Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase said after Wednesday’s game. “I just think a lot of it has to do with her work ethic, her heart, her sacrifice.”
For Burton, the focus has been on work and repetition this season.
“I think opportunity is a big thing, and it's a big factor in this league, and I've been grateful to have an opportunity to play and compete,” Burton said postgame.
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The Northwestern alum is the third WNBA player to record 30 points, five rebounds and five assists on a league expansion team, behind Sabrina Ionescu and Napheesa Collier.
Team captain her senior season, Burton spent all four years of her NCAA career with the Wildcats before graduating in 2022. The guard recorded 1,536 career points and started in 114 of 115 games played at Northwestern.
Burton went on to be selected seventh overall by the Dallas Wings in the WNBA Draft that summer and remained there until the team waived her last season. She was picked up by the Sun for the rest of 2024 before being selected by Golden State in the expansion draft.