Playing With Pride and Dignity — That's What the Valkyries Need Right Now

Veronica Burton and Laeticia Amihere met with the media after the loss in Chicago, and Burton pulled no punches about where the blame lies. While she gave full credit to Sydney Taylor's incredible shot, Burton acknowledged the real problem started in the first quarter, when Golden State came out flat once again. It's a team issue, and she included herself in that accountability.

On the bench's historic 32-6 outscoring of the Sky bench, Burton made a powerful point. Yes, the Valkyries have the best bench in the league, and yes, they play hard every single time. But Golden State can't keep putting them in the position of saving the team every single night. It's unfair, and the starters have to take responsibility for changing that dynamic.

Burton emphasized what's working when it's working. In the second half, the Valkyries got stops on defense and moved the ball on offense, and they took the lead. That's how they're meant to play. But they need to sustain it for all four quarters, not just stretches. She talked about dignity and pride, about not letting anyone punk the Valkyries whether at home or on the road. It's not a talent issue. It's about finding that standard within the team, all 14 players, and carrying it through regardless of whether shots are falling or not.

Amihere added perspective on execution in the paint and the importance of making the right reads once Golden State gets there.

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Golden State Valkyries | WNBA | Press Conference | Veronica Burton, Laeticia Amihere | Chicago Sky | 2026

00:00 — Reaction to the Clutch Loss and Ownership
00:30 — Bench's 32-6 Outscoring and the Unfair Ask
01:32 — What Worked in the Second Half
02:34 — Pride, Dignity, and the Standard That Can't Change
03:41 — Chicago's Defense and Paint Execution