Veronica Burton continues to make case for Most Improved Player

Sports News

Burton has blossomed into a catalyst with the Golden State Valkyries this season.

Newton native Veronica Burton has found a home across the country with the Golden State Valkyries.

Burton, a former Newton South and Northwestern star, is averaging 11.2 points per game after scoring 3.1 a night for the Connecticut Sun a season ago. Her steady play has helped the first-year franchise compile a 17-15 record, with an unexpected playoff berth there for the taking.

Her best performance to date came Wednesday night, when she erupted for a career-high 30 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds in an 88-83 win over the Washington Mystics. Burton shot 10 of 13 from the field, including 6 of 9 from 3, becoming the third player ever to record 30-5-5 on an expansion team.

She’s also the third player in league history with 30 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds on 75 percent shooting, joining Sabrina Ionescu and Napheesa Collier.

Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said Burton’s success stems from her desire to get in the gym early, shoot on off days, and give extra effort.

“A lot of it honestly has to do with her work ethic, her heart, her sacrifices,” Nakase told reporters Wednesday.

Nakase said that the minute the Valkyries get on the plane, Burton wants to watch her clips to see how she can improve.

“It’s her own belief,” Nakase said. “It’s her teammates’ belief. When you put her in a loving, caring environment, and a let-it-fly mentality, I think now you’re seeing her just flourish.”

Burton currently has the second-best odds on DraftKings (+250), behind Allisha Gray (+200) of the Atlanta Dream.

Trevor Hass is a sports producer for Boston.com, where he writes and edits stories about Boston’s professional teams, among other tasks.