By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–When the stated goal is the process over results, the first 17 missed 3-point attempts could simply be termed artistic flaws.

Flaws? Why not. When those consecutive misses without even one make don’t leave a team dead and buried for the night, being loose with defining  major deficiencies is okay.

And years from now, the Valkyries first-ever win will be best known as a masterpiece.

Veronica Burton came up with a career-best 22 points, including a buzzer-beater before halftime and another 3-pointer with 1:38 remaining to give the home team the lead for good and the Valkyries won 76-74 in only their second ever game in front of a sellout crowd at Chase Center.

Coach Natalie Nakase, the author of “process over results” was just as impressed by her staff’s attention to detail in anticipation of a close game, and Burton’s early arrival, as she was by the win itself.

So with that myopic approach, it wasn’t surprising  that Nakase wasn’t thrilled by being ambushed by her team’s celebratory tactics that she every intention of side-stepping.

“I hate cold water, but they had me cornered,” Nakase conceded.

The visiting Mystics could have easily had the Valkyries cornered with an 18-0 run that gave them an early nine-point lead. Instead, Janelle Salaun finally made one from distance and the Valkyries trailed by only one, 25-24, early in the second quarter.

That was the first of many examples throughout the game that clearly stated the home team, supported by their forgiving crowd, wasn’t going to be deterred by a few anxious moments. The Mystics were put on notice as the Valkyries fast pace and physical approach bothered Washington, threatening their own feel good story and 2-0 start to the season. At halftime, the visitors found themselves trailing by a point despite holding Golden State to 30 percent shooting.

When Tiffany Hayes was floored by Shakira Austin in the second quarter and left bleeding on the floor, the Valkyries were without their most experienced offensive player for the remainder of the game. But that’s when Burton, normally cast as a shutdown defender, went to work offensively.

Kayla Thornton (18 points) and Salaun (10) also contributed as did Carla Leite, who did so while dealing with a bloody nose.

Brittney Sykes led Washington with 30 points, and rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron added 10 points each.

The Valkyries hit the road for their first time in Los Angeles against the Sparks on Friday night.