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Erica Wheeler Moves Up Storm Record Books with Defensive Milestone
Aug 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Storm guard Erica Wheeler (17) dribbles the ball against the Chicago Sky at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Erica Wheeler Moves Up Storm Record Books with Defensive Milestone

Originally posted on Seattle Storm on SI
By Edward Blair II  |  Last updated Sep 8, 2025 5:31 PM ET

A Veteran’s Milestone Moment

A franchise contains one player who demonstrates leadership and hustle through unglamorous actions that do not show up in highlight reels. Erica Wheeler has proven to be the Seattle Storm's reliable playmaking force. The Seattle Storm fought against the New York Liberty during that evening while Wheeler established a new record for the team.

With her 56th steal of the season, the 34-year-old guard moved into sole possession of eighth place on the Storm’s single-season steals leaderboard. She surpassed two of the franchise's top performers, Sue Bird and Camille Little, during the game. The four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird and defensive stalwart Camille Little, who protected Seattle for multiple seasons.

The achievement exceeds its monetary value. Wheeler proves her dedication to the game through her defensive skills and her ability to influence matches through means other than scoring.


Game Performance Against New York


Wheeler played another balanced game during the 84–76 Seattle loss to the Liberty. She finished with 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting, hitting two three-pointers, while going 2-for-2 from the free throw line. She recorded four assists and one rebound, and one steal during her 22 minutes of court time.

Wheeler delivered important momentum to the team through her performance despite her unimpressive statistical output. The assists she provided throughout the game maintained Seattle's offensive momentum, and her defensive skills interrupted New York's attacking flow. The 2025 election campaign strategy of her party includes a constant offensive approach with flexible defensive measures.


Defensive Legacy in Seattle


The Seattle steals leaderboard identifies the most important players who helped shape the franchise throughout its existence. Bird developed her career through her ability to lead and see the game, but her defensive skills enabled her to create fast breaks. Little established herself as a vital defensive asset who protected Seattle to multiple championship titles throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s by combining his physical strength with his mental skills.

Wheeler earned this achievement through her better defensive abilities than her Storm teammates, who received defensive awards through their pass interceptions and blocking of opponent drives.

Wheeler reached this achievement after going undrafted in 2013 through her persistent effort and distinctive approach to the game.

Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Wheeler’s Career Journey


Wheeler’s achievement becomes more impressive because of the path she followed to reach this point. From being undrafted out of Rutgers, to playing overseas, to finally finding her role in the WNBA, she’s never had the easy road. She has succeeded through her commitment to every single play she has worked on.

Her defense has always been a calling card. Wheeler shows excellent lateral speed and ball-handling, reading skills, and full-court defensive pressure, which makes her a defensive threat. She uses her defensive skills to obtain additional possessions, which become valuable assets for her team.

She has demonstrated throughout the season that experience, together with determination, matters equally to athletic ability at the highest level. The Storm organization needs her assistance to build a competitive Western Conference team.

Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images


Impact on the Playoff Push

The team developed its identity for this season by playing with defensive intensity. The frontcourt leadership of Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor receives ideal support from Wheeler's defensive pressure in the backcourt.

The fast breaks from her steals enable Seattle to get quick scoring chances during transition play since they struggle with half-court offense. The playoff competition intensifies, so these types of plays determine which team will win and which will lose.

The numbers alone do not capture the essence of Wheeler's impact on the team. Younger players need to learn from her way of preparing for matches and her ability to lead the team during important game situations. That kind of influence is every bit as important as the steals that show up on the stat sheet.

Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images


Climbing the Record Books


The upcoming games of the season will show if Wheeler can achieve an even higher spot in the Storm’s single-season steals record. The more steals she gets, the more she becomes a part of team history.

For a player who built her career on perseverance and a defense-first mentality, this milestone is more than just a statistic. Players demonstrate their worth through their unrelenting drive to create game-changing moments, which goes beyond traditional scoring and assisting metrics.


A Legacy Still in Motion

Erica Wheeler has earned her place as an all-time defensive legend for the Seattle defense. Her life continues to develop into a new chapter. She will reach the top five of the Storm's single-season steals list if she maintains her current performance until the end of the year.

Through her defense commitment and his ability to show determination and work ethic, Wheeler has built her lasting reputation.

And on this night, with one quick swipe of the ball, she reminded everyone why her journey continues to inspire — and why she remains a cornerstone of Seattle’s push for postseason success.


This article first appeared on Seattle Storm on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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