In a nail-biting finish on Tuesday, the Seattle Storm clinched the final 2025 WNBA playoff spot with a thrilling 74-73 victory over the Golden State Valkyries. With just under 20 seconds left, Erica Wheeler delivered a clutch go-ahead jumper that sealed the win and kept her team’s postseason hopes alive.
Despite a fierce challenge from the Valkyries—who led much of the game and boasted a career-high 22 points from Janelle Salaun—the Storm’s resilience proved key. Seattle’s win marked their 20th playoff appearance in franchise history.
As the regular season concludes, the Storm now enter the playoffs as either the No. 8 or No. 7 seed, depending on remaining results. Meanwhile, the Valkyries, in their debut postseason campaign, still control their fate should they secure a win in their finale.
Seattle head coach Noelle Quinn praised the team’s tenacity, noting that securing their spot “on our own terms” was a powerful finish to a roller-coaster season.
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