PALMETTO, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 06: Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm passes the ball during the second half of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces at Feld Entertainment Center on October 06, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
WNBA legend Sue Bird stepped off the court for the final time Tuesday night following the Seattle Storm’s loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 4 of their playoff semifinal series. Bird’s tenure in Seattle is unrivaled as the greatest career in women’s basketball history, and fans made sure to send her off in raucous fashion as she left the floor of the Climate Pledge Arena for the last time.
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Despite Breanna Stewart’s 42-point performance, Bird and the Storm were unable to avoid a series sweep against the Aces, who entered the postseason with the best record in the Western Conference. Seattle led 47-44 at the half but played poorly in the third quarter and went on to lose 97-92.
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In an interview with ESPN after the game, Bird admitted that she wasn’t satisfied with the result but was instead focusing on appreciating her career as a whole.
“Obviously I am so thankful for 20 years here. I’m going to miss it so much. I’m not going anywhere but I’m going to miss it,” Bird said. “I wish we could have done a little bit more to get to the finals, but I’m so proud of this team this year.”
As the game came to a close, a packed crowd in the Climate Pledge Arena began chanting for Bird and didn’t stop until long after the game ended. In 20 years with the organization, Bird led Seattle to four WNBA championships in 2004, 2010, 2018 and 2020. She also made 12 All-Star Game appearances and ranks near the top in every significant statistical career category. Her retirement announcement and subsequent farewell processions have drawn adoring comments from local Seattle figures as well as national sports icons like Dwyane Wade.
In addition to looking back on her contributions to the team, Bird also expressed hope in the Storm’s future and gave advice to whoever would go on to replace her.
“I guess I just hope the next person that comes in and plays point guard here, just keep the tradition going. Keep the winning going. Keep that championship level going, keep these fans happy.”
With Bird’s Storm out of the way, the Las Vegas Aces will play the winner of the other semifinal series between the Connecticut Sun and Chicago Sky. The Aces are currently favored to win the championship.
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