The Seattle Storm secured their WNBA playoff berth in dramatic fashion, overcoming a late deficit to defeat the Golden State Valkyries 74-73. Erica Wheeler, coming off the bench, was the hero, sinking a game-winning pull-up jumper with 19.2 seconds remaining. Her performance, including five crucial three-pointers, earned her 17 points and solidified her claim as a potential Most Improved Player.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions. The Valkyries mounted a 13-0 run in the third quarter, taking a 60-50 lead. The Storm, however, showcased their resilience, outscoring the Valkyries 21-12 in the final frame, fueled by a strong 57.4% field goal percentage. Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins contributed crucial free throws, extending Seattle's lead before a late three-pointer by Iliana Rupert tied the game. Wheeler's clutch shot ultimately sealed the victory.
"It’s not really about me," Wheeler humbly stated post-game. "We knew how important this game was to get into the postseason. It was a team effort." Coach Noelle Quinn echoed this sentiment, praising Wheeler's all-around performance and the team's collective determination. Quinn acknowledged the immense pressure of a win-or-go-home scenario but lauded the team's ability to maintain focus and execute under pressure.
Ogwumike finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds, Brittney Sykes added 14 points, and Diggins contributed 10 points and 6 assists. For the Valkyries, Janelle Salaun led with 22 points, Veronica Burton and Temi Fagbenle each adding 14. The Storm finished the regular season with a 23-21 record, while the Valkyries ended at 23-20. Seattle's playoff seeding depends on the Valkyries' final game against the Minnesota Lynx; a Valkyries win would place the Storm as the eighth seed, while a loss would give them the seventh seed. Regardless of the seeding, the Storm are headed to the playoffs, thanks to Wheeler's heroics and the team's collective fight.
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Originally published at: https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/storm/storm-clinch-playoff-berth-with-comeback-win-over-valkyries/
