DiJonai Carrington, Natasha Cloud and the Chicago Sky failed to make the WNBA playoffs in the 2026 season. The team had a 16-28 record, finishing 11th in the standings.
Despite the team’s failure, it didn’t stop Carrington and Cloud from celebrating the Golden State Valkyries, particularly one of the team’s key players.
The Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals in seven games. In Game 7 on Saturday, Gabby Williams exploded for 30 points on 10-of-23 shooting, including four blocks, to lead Golden State to a 68-63 victory.
Meanwhile, Veronica Burton finished with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds, on top of five assists.
No one from the Dream scored more than 20 points, with Jordin Canada and Allisha Gray leading the team in scoring with 18 and 16 points, respectively.
Following the Valkyries’ championship win, Burton shared a post on social media to celebrate the team and what they had accomplished. It is noteworthy that Golden State became the fastest expansion franchise to win the WNBA title, as 2026 is only its second season.
Photos by David Gonzales-Imagn
“a complete WNBA CHAMPION!!!!!! Praise God!!!!!!!!!” Burton wrote, while also sharing some photos of himself and his teammates taken during their postgame celebration. “Love this team. Love this city.”
Burton’s post drew plenty of reaction from her WNBA peers, including messages from Carrington and Cloud.
“Congratsssss V!!!!!” wrote Carrington, who played alongside Burton with the Connecticut Sun during the 2024 season.
Cloud, for his part, had a simple but meaningful word for Burton, saying, “Proud.”
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Several other players showed their respect and admiration for Burton even though he was a member of a rival team.
Indiana Fever stars Caitlin Clark and Lexie Hull both showed him some love, with the former writing, “Dawg.”
Meanwhile, Hull said Burton had worked hard and “earned” the championship.
Related: WNBA Announces Angel Reese in Atlanta Dream’s Finals Loss