Erica Wheeler gave everything, and then gave a little more. With under a minute left, the Seattle Storm guard hit a dagger three-pointer to put away the undefeated Minnesota Lynx, sealing a 94-84 win.
Seconds later, Wheeler broke down in tears on national television as the home crowd at Climate Pledge Arena rose to its feet. The Storm snapped the Lynx’s perfect 9-0 start and climbed to 6-4 on the season.
Erica Wheeler’s Dagger Ends Lynx’s Winning Streak, Sparking Emotional Moment
Wheeler couldn’t hold back tears after hitting the biggest shot of her season. She finished with 20 points, nine assists, two rebounds, and a moment she’ll never forget. As cameras rolled post-game, she stood at center court, overwhelmed.
“It’s not about me, it’s not about me,” Wheeler said after taking a moment to recollect herself with tears in her eyes, amid loud cheers from the crowd. “It’s about this team. It’s about us just sticking together. Coaches believing in us, and this sh*t feels good.”
After nailing the dagger to break the Lynx’s win streak, Erica Wheeler delivered an emotional postgame interview 🔥
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Wheeler wasn’t alone. Nneka Ogwumike led Seattle with 21 points and 10 rebounds, Skylar Diggins added 18 points and six assists, and Gabby Williams scored 12 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. Ezi Magbegor chipped in with 13 points & eight rebounds.
The Storm improved to 6-4, while the Lynx dropped to 9-1. The New York Liberty now stand as the WNBA’s only undefeated team.
On the Lynx side, Napheesa Collier continued her MVP-level start with 25 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Kayla McBride added 19 points and six assists.
Late Scuffle With Kayla McBride Adds Heat to Wheeler’s Breakout Night
Wheeler’s emotional night nearly turned volatile when Kayla McBride shoved her from behind after a layup with 5.8 seconds left. McBride was visibly upset that Wheeler took the shot with the game already sealed.
Skylar Diggins and Kayla McBride going after it, after McBride was not pleased with Erica Wheeler making the lay up to seal the Storm’s big home win over the Lynx, to deliver them the first loss of the season! 😂
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Storm stars Diggins and Ogwumike confronted McBride, who was heard shouting, “That’s bulls**t,” as she pointed toward the scoreboard. McBride also threw the ball at Wheeler, prompting Storm players to step in.
The loss snapped Minnesota’s nine-game winning streak. Seattle, meanwhile, jumped the Las Vegas Aces for the No. 3 spot and now sits at 3-1 in Commissioner’s Cup play.