SEATTLE -- The Seattle Storm clinched the final playoff spot after a nail-biting win against the Golden State Valkyries, 74-73. Seattle finished the regular season with a 23-21 record as they look towards the postseason. Although the Valkyries were unable to win on the road, they will enter the playoffs with a 23-20 record. To counteract Golden State’s strong effort to spoil their home finale, Seattle used a team effort in the final seconds of the contest. 

After the end of the first quarter, the Valkyries took an 18-12 lead. Kaila Charles (KY-lah) led the charge for Golden State with six points, three rebounds, and one assist. Her aggressiveness towards the basket showed early, making all four of her free throw attempts in the period. Temi Fágbénlé (Fag-BEN-Lay) scored five of her 14 points in the quarter, to go with one block. She was able to impact the game on both ends, which set the tone for the Valkyries. Although the Storm struggled, Nneka Ogwumike (NEH-kuh Oh-gwoo-MIH-kay) scored four points, two rebounds, and one steal. Her efforts on both sides were felt in the first quarter, carrying over into the rest of the game. As Seattle struggled to score in the post, rookie Dominique Malonga (Muh-LONG-guh) was inserted, and she did what she could to keep them in the contest. She scored four of her nine points in the period, along with one rebound and one block. After the Storm struggled in the opening period, they came out in the second quarter hoping to swing the momentum in their favor.

As the two teams ended the first half, the Valkyries held on to the lead, 36-33. Valkyries point guard Veronica Burton finished the half with seven points, five assists, and two rebounds. Her impact on the Golden State has been felt throughout the season up until the contest, making her worthy of the Most Improved Player award. Seattle showed more of an effort in the second quarter, thanks, in part, to Skylar Diggins and her six points. She also added three assists and one block before the break. The Storm also saw their other guard, Brittney Sykes (SIKES), contribute to a much second quarter with her six points. She also had one rebound, one assist, and one steal. Her aggressiveness on defense was shown as she also had two fouls before the half came to a close. As the two teams battled to end the second quarter, the necessary adjustments were made to provide a thrilling second half.

With both teams prepared to gain the edge after the break, the Valkyries extended the lead 61-53, their largest of the game. Although Golden State had command of the contest, Seattle was able to turn its 11 offensive rebounds into 13 second-chance points. After scoring five points in the first half, Valkyries rookie Janelle Salaün (Sa-LOON) had a 12-point quarter, finishing with 17 points. She made six of her eight shots from the field (75%), including four three-pointers in five attempts (80%). Her production on offense in the third period played a key part in Golden State extending the lead. Despite the Valkyries extending the lead, Seattle created momentum early. The Storm created multiple looks from the corner for Erica Wheeler, who converted two of her seven attempts from the field. Her two makes came from the corner three-point area in three attempts (66.7%). She finished with 17 points, making five of her seven attempts from outside the arc. Head Coach Noelle Quinn commented on how Wheeler’s confidence has grown with the different open-shot opportunities she received in the game.

“[Wheeler]’s statistically, if you look at our roster, she’s one of the best in that category,” Quinn said after the win. “...We continue to empower [and] encourage her to take those shots. Sometimes I get on her when she doesn’t, because she’s efficient in that area…We position her on the floor where she can actively be in the play to take those shots ....”

With momentum against the Storm heading into the fourth quarter, they made a final push to get the job done.

The final period provided an entertaining end for a packed home arena. In a contest that came down to the final possessions, Seattle got the win, which earned them a playoff berth. As they conclude the regular season, they await their first-round matchup, which will commence in a week. Although the Valkyries have clinched a playoff spot as well, their regular season ends on Thursday, September 11th, as they face the Minnesota Lynx.