The Seattle Storm started the season with a 4-4 record over their first eight games, losing to the Phoenix Mercury, Minnesota Lynx, Atlanta Dream, and Las Vegas Aces. Since then, the Storm have won eight of their last eleven games, firmly establishing themselves as one of the best teams in the league.
A big part of that has been the team’s health, and All-Star play from Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, and Gabby Williams. Another reason was one genius move: inserting Erica Wheeler into the starting lineup.
Erica Wheeler is having a big bounce-back season
Erica Wheeler played for the Indiana Fever last season. In 14 minutes per game, she averaged 3.6 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Since the Fever signed Sydney Colson and re-signed Kelsey Mitchell, there was not much room left in the guard rotation for Wheeler. So, Wheeler left in free agency and joined the Storm.
Wheeler is thriving in Seattle, averaging 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Her play secured her a spot in the starting lineup, sending Alysha Clark to the bench. Clark is a proven championship veteran, a great defender, and a solid 3-point shooter despite closing in on 40. Wheeler simply outplayed her and earned a starting spot.
Putting Wheeler into the starting lineup gives the Storm another ball handler next to Skylar Diggins, easing the pressure on the All-Star guard. Wheeler has also provided an additional scoring threat. With 11.6 points per game, she is the Storm’s fourth-leading scorer, averaging more points than both Ezi Magbegor and Alysha Clark.
With Wheeler in the starting lineup, the Storm have beaten the Mercury, Lynx, Aces, Liberty, and Dream, taking care of business against a bunch of contenders.
The Storm hope to go on a deep playoff run
With so many veterans on the roster, the Seattle Storm are clearly built to win now. Dominique Malonga is the only young player on the roster—except for Jordan Horston, who has to miss the season due to an injury. Everyone else is a veteran, hoping to win at the highest level.
Seattle hasn’t gone on a deep playoff run since Breanna Stewart left in free agency and Sue Bird retired in 2022. They missed the playoffs in 2023 and lost in the first round last season. With three All-Stars on the roster, it is time to change that.
Seattle may not be the deepest team in the league, but it has plenty of star power and some solid role players. The Storm have also proven that they can beat the best teams in the league.