rewrite this content and keep HTML tags (remove this from content : rewrite this content and keep HTML tags)
The field for the 2025 WNBA playoffs is set after the Seattle Storm clinched the final spot on Tuesday with a dramatic comeback win over the Golden State Valkyries, 74-73. The Storm will be the No. 8 seed and face the No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx in the first round.Â
The Storm entered Tuesday needing a win or a Los Angeles Sparks loss to clinch a playoff berth. The Sparks ended up beating the Phoenix Mercury on the road, which meant the Storm had to find a way to beat the Valkyries, and that’s just what they did thanks to Erica Wheeler.Â
On a night when the Storm were once again struggling offensively, Wheeler came off the bench to deliver a major boost of energy and scoring. She hit two huge 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter to key the Storm’s comeback from what had been a double-digit deficit late in the third. She then hit the game-winning jumper with just under 20 seconds to play.Â
Wheeler tied her season-high with five 3-pointers and finished with a team-high 17 points, five rebounds and two assists.Â
“We knew what was at stake. We wanted to get in the playoffs,” Wheeler said. “Coach said ’empty the tank,’ and that’s what we did. We emptied the tank and played until the last minute. It’s not about my last shot, it’s a team effort and we just did what we needed to do to get this win.”Â
Game 1 of the Storm’s first-round series with the Lynx is set for Sunday, with a tip-off time to be determined.Â
