The Dallas Wings drafted Veronica Burton seventh overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft. Burton produced little in a backup role over her first two seasons. In 2024, the Wings waived her—a decision that maybe didn’t look crazy two years ago, but has aged very badly since the Golden State Valkyries entered the picture.
After being waived by the Wings, Burton landed with the Connecticut Sun and played a key backup role as the team went to the semifinals. The Sun didn’t protect her in the expansion draft. The Valkyries selected Burton, made her their starting point guard, and were rewarded with a true breakout season.
A year later, Burton is even better and one of the most important players for the No. 2 seed—which is about to sweep the Wings in their first playoff series since 2023.
The Valkyries wouldn’t be where they are without Veronica Burton
Burton’s numbers may not jump off the page compared to some of the other great point guards in the W, but she is one of the main reasons for the Valkyries’ success. She runs the show with a steady hand, rarely ever turning the ball over. She can also help Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Janelle Salaün carry the scoring load and is a phenomenal perimeter defender.
She is the heartbeat of the Vaklyries on both ends of the floor. Without her breakout, the team may not have made history last year or risen to the top of the standings this year.
The Wings face elimination on Wednesday
The Wings did not play a great game against the Valkyries. They allowed Golden State to have its best offensive performance of the season with 104 points and 18 made 3-pointers.
Jessica Shepard went scoreless and only recorded three rebounds and three assists along with three turnovers. Arike Ogunbowale went 2-7 from the field on her way to ten points, and Awak Kuier missed all four of her attempts from deep.
Unless they can lock in defensively and get more offensive production out of their starters next to Paige Bueckers, the Wings are no match for Burton and the Valkyries. Bueckers responded well to the Valkyries’ defensive pressure, shooting 9-10 from the floor to log her first 20-point game in the WNBA playoffs. If the Wings want to avoid a sweep, Bueckers needs some help, especially from Shepard. She emerged as an All-Star and a triple-double machine this season. It’s time that she shows the same in the playoffs.
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