The Seattle Storm secured the WNBA’s final postseason berth with a nail-biting 74-73 win over the Golden State Valkyries. The crucial game occurred on Tuesday night at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Erica Wheeler hit the game-winning shot with just 19.2 seconds left on the clock. This victory eliminates the Los Angeles Sparks from playoff contention.
According to Field Level Media, the win catapults the Storm into the eighth and final playoff spot. The loss, combined with other league results, drops the Valkyries to seventh place in the standings. The entire playoff picture was decided on this final night of the regular season.
Seattle Storm’s Dramatic Fourth Quarter Rally
Seattle faced a significant deficit entering the final period. They were down by eight points. The team then mounted a stunning 10-0 run to start the quarter.
Erica Wheeler was instrumental during this comeback surge. She connected on two critical three-pointers. Her second trey gave the Storm their first lead of the half at 63-61.
The game remained intensely close down the stretch. Both teams exchanged leads multiple times in the final minutes. Golden State’s Iliana Rupert hit a three-pointer to put her team up 73-72 late.
Erica Wheeler Delivers Clutch Performance Off the Bench
Erica Wheeler emerged as the undeniable hero for Seattle. She came off the bench to score a team-high 17 points. Wheeler drilled five three-pointers, including the eventual game-winner.
Her final basket was a 16-foot jumper from the right side. It sealed the victory and the playoff berth. Wheeler’s performance provided a massive spark for the Storm’s offense.
Nneka Ogwumike also played a key role. She recorded 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Brittney Sykes and Skylar Diggins added 14 and 10 points respectively.
Playoff Implications and Season Finale
The outcome had immediate ramifications across the league. The Storm’s win officially ends the season for the Los Angeles Sparks. The Sparks won their own game but needed a Seattle loss to advance.
Golden State’s Janelle Salaun led all scorers with 22 points. She made five three-pointers but missed two crucial shots in the final seconds. The Valkyries still make the playoffs but will now enter as the seventh seed.
This game concluded the WNBA’s regular season schedule. The playoff matchups are now set. The first round begins later this week.
The Seattle Storm playoff clinch completes the postseason field after a thrilling regular season finish. Their dramatic comeback ensures their championship hopes remain alive.
Dropping this nugget your way-
Who scored the game-winning shot for the Seattle Storm?
Erica Wheeler hit the go-ahead jumper with 19.2 seconds remaining. She finished the game with 17 points off the bench. Her clutch performance secured the victory.
What was the final score of the game?
The Seattle Storm defeated the Golden State Valkyries 74-73. The match was decided by a single point in the final seconds. It was a must-win game for Seattle.
Did this game decide the final WNBA playoff spot?
Yes, Seattle’s victory clinched the eighth and final playoff berth. The Los Angeles Sparks were eliminated from contention as a result. The playoff field is now complete.
How did the Valkyries perform despite the loss?
Rookie Janelle Salaun led Golden State with 22 points. Veronica Burton recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists. The team still qualifies for the playoffs as the seventh seed.
Trusted Sources: Field Level Media