A sold-out Climate Pledge Arena on a Wednesday night and a win over the Minnesota Lynx 89-77 could only call for three GOATS to grace the arena. Brenna Stewart and Sue Bird had a phenomenal night, with Hall of Famer Lauren Jackson watching them courtside.
Our good luck charm 💚@laurenej15 x #TakeCover pic.twitter.com/xWoZWPNOOW
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 4, 2022
Jackson spent her entire 12-year WNBA career in Seattle, won two titles, and was named MVP three times. Jackson attended a Storm game for the first time since returning to Seattle for her jersey retirement in 2016. Jackson also wanted to watch her former teammate Bird play before the WNBA legend retired.
“What she’s done in her career on and off the court has been phenomenal,” Jackson said about Bird. “I don’t think there will ever be anyone like her. The legacy she’s left and will be leaving on the sport is enormous.”
Reunited and it feels so good! ⛈ @S10Bird 🫂 @laurenej15 pic.twitter.com/r29vSofhnk
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 4, 2022
Stewart, who scored a season-high 33 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, was serenaded in “M-V-P” chants after the game. Even before her electric performance, the three-time MVP recognized Stewart’s greatness.
“Stewie is just incredible; as a professional athlete, she’s evolved into the best player in the world,” Jackson said. “What she can do inside and outside, there’s no one better than her. She’s great.”
For Stewart, it was an honor to have the person she grew up watching watch her play.
“To me, LJ is a legend and one of the best to ever do it,” Stewart said. “The fact that we have similar paths after me being drafted by Seattle and trying to take anything I can from her game and add it to mine. Growing up, she was one of those players that I looked up to just because of the versatility and inside-out game.”
