The final buzzer echoed through Climate Pledge Arena, but the celebration had begun long before that. The box score couldn’t capture the weight of this win for Seattle. With 94–84 flashing across the screens, they made the Lynx go silent, who came in as heavy favorites with a record of nine games, nine wins, and zero doubt. And leading that charge? None other than Caitlin Clark’s former teammate, Erica Wheeler. She ended the game with 20 points and nine rebounds, and, of course, the last word.

That shouldn’t come off as a surprise, though, because she has a history of stepping up in big moments. Take the 2019 WNBA All-Star Game, for example. There, she made history as the first undrafted player ever to win All-Star MVP. That night, she put up 25 points, hit seven three-pointers, and sealed the win with a clutch shot in the final seconds. When she got her MVP trophy, Erica was in tears as she gave a heartfelt speech where she honored her late mother and spoke about the power of resilience and never giving up.

We saw a similar sight after the final buzzer against the Lynx, as she broke down in front of the roaring home crowd. In the post-game interview, she made sure to give credit to her teammates instead of making it all about her. She said, “It’s not about me, it’s not about me, it’s about this team.” That’s the true definition of a team player.

And she was right to point out her team’s contribution, as everyone gave their all last night. Her teammates Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins also came through with big contributions. Ogwumike led the team with a strong 21-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Diggins chipped in with 18 points on her way to surpassing 5,000 total points. Wheeler also pointed out the contribution of the coaches, adding, “Coaches believing in us. And it feels good.” 

That belief was reflected in Storm HC Noelle Quinn’s post-game statements.. In the first half, Nneka Ogwumike had struggled with her shot for the second game running. But Quinn kept supporting her, and in the end, her belief paid off. She said, “Confidence that it’s unwavering. I think that’s the biggest thing that needs to sustain her when going through this…” That emphasis on confidence in oneself and fellow teammates is what got the Storm so far. And with Erica Wheeler on their side, it’s just the beginning. But why did Wheeler decide to leave the Fever in the first place?

Erica Wheeler’s message after leaving Caitlin Clark and Co.

When the Seattle Storm picked up Erica Wheeler in February 2025, it didn’t make major headlines. But looking back, it really should have. After a rough 2024 season with the Indiana Fever, where she averaged just 3.6 points and spent most of her time on the bench, a lot of people assumed that her best days were behind her. But Wheeler’s lack of playing time wasn’t about her skills; it was about the situation.

Once the Fever had handed the keys to the castle to rookie phenom Caitlin Clark, Wheeler’s role practically disappeared. She only started two games all year and rarely saw meaningful minutes. And recently, she made a statement: “…Go where you’re appreciated and not tolerated!” It almost sounded like a promise to herself. Because now that in 2025, Seattle has given Wheeler exactly what she needed: appreciation of her talents.

Putting up 9.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in nearly 22 minutes per game, she has found her groove again. She’s no longer an overlooked piece; instead, she has become a steady, reliable presence in the Storm’s backcourt, especially when the pressure’s on. Take that huge three-pointer she hit to ice the game against the in-form Lynx.

This comeback isn’t just about numbers, either. It gives a clear indication that when a veteran like Wheeler is given the freedom and confidence, she can still change the game on her own. That’s what she gets in Seattle, where she isn’t just tolerated, instead she is appreciated. And in return? She’s given them leadership, clutch plays and big victories.