Veronica Burton, guard for the Golden State Valkyries, was named the WNBA Western Conference Player of the Week for games played August 24 through August 30, 2026, the league announced September 1. Burton helped lead the Valkyries to a 4-0 record while posting exceptional statistics on both ends of the court.
During the week, Burton averaged 11.3 points, 8.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, shooting 47.2 percent from the field. She achieved a remarkable 17.5 assist-to-turnover ratio, highlighted by several standout performances. She recorded 14 points, nine assists, and five steals in a road victory at Minnesota, limiting the Lynx to 66 points, their season-low.
Burton then scored 12 points with seven assists and zero turnovers in a win at Connecticut, followed by a season-high 13 assists without turnovers at New York. This feat made her the first player in WNBA history to tally 20 assists and zero turnovers across two consecutive games. She concluded the week with 11 points, six rebounds, and six assists in an 86-69 home win over Portland.
For the season, Burton leads the league in defensive win share (.202) and assist-to-turnover ratio (4.14), ranks fifth in defensive rating (96.7), and ninth in assists per game (5.8). She is the only WNBA player in 2026 averaging more than 12 points and five assists while committing no more than two turnovers per game.
This honor marks Burton’s first WNBA Player of the Week award, making her the second Golden State Valkyries player to earn the distinction after Kayla Thornton in 2025. Additionally, Burton was named the Associated Press Player of the Week.
The Valkyries return to action hosting Portland on September 18 at Chase Center and then face Seattle in their regular-season home finale on September 19.
CSB Take
Veronica Burton’s selection as Western Conference Player of the Week underscores her rise as a cornerstone for the Golden State Valkyries. Her historic assist-to-turnover efficiency and defensive impact significantly enhance the team’s performance during a critical stretch. As the Valkyries prepare for important September home games, Burton’s leadership and consistency will be crucial to the team’s postseason aspirations.
Source: Original report
