Seattle sealed the final playoff berth with a 74–73 win at Climate Pledge Arena. Erica Wheeler buried the go-ahead jumper with 18.5 seconds left. The result ended the race for the league’s last ticket.
How the finish unfolded
Golden State (3.80) entered the fourth quarter ahead by eight, controlling pace and glass. Iliana Rupert briefly restored a lead with a deep three from the left wing. Nneka Ogwumike grabbed an offensive rebound, extending Seattle’s possession at a critical moment. Wheeler then hit a 16-foot pull-up that became the game’s final separation.
Fourth-quarter math
The Valkyries scored only 12 points in the fourth, going 5-for-20 from the field. They still forced 13 turnovers and held Seattle to 40.6% shooting overall. That defensive control created chances, but late execution tilted toward Seattle. The decisive possessions outweighed the wider efficiency ledger when it mattered.
Who carried each side?
Janelle Salaün led Golden State with a career-high 22 points on diversified touches. Veronica Burton supplied 14 points and 11 assists, setting the pace and late actions. Wheeler finished with 17 points to anchor Seattle’s closing offence. Those contributions framed a narrow, possession-by-possession finish.
Where the result leaves everyone
Seattle locked the No. 8 seed and a first-round date with top-seeded Minnesota. Golden State’s seed hinges on Thursday against the Lynx in Minneapolis. The Chronicle outlines sixth with a win, eighth with a loss. Indiana and Seattle hold tiebreakers, keeping Valkyries’ range narrow entering the finale.
