The Seattle Storm’s season and Sue Bird’s WNBA career have ended after falling to the Las Vegas Aces, 97-92, on Wednesday.
The semifinal series between the Storm and Aces was pressure-packed and full of entertaining shot-making between the two WNBA titans. It was the kind of series you can expect between two teams that field a combined seven former No. 1 overall picks, the first time that many have played in a playoff series in WNBA history.
Thank you, @S10Bird 🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/zn4jR5OvQZ
— WSLAM (@wslam) September 7, 2022
Bird ended her final game with eight points and eight assists. The all-time point gawd stayed on the hardwood after the fourth quarter buzzer rang off, receiving hugs from the Acesd receiving “Thank you, Sue” chants from Storm fans who cried with her.
Wednesday’s Game 3 concludes a career that includes four titles and five Olympic gold medals, 13 All-Star selections, eight All-WNBA nods, and retired as the all-time leader in wins; most seasons played, games played, assists in the regular and postseason, minutes played, All-Star appearance, and turnovers.
“Sad,” Bird said about her feelings as she soaked in Climate Pledge Arena for the final time during a tv interview with Holly Rowe. “Obviously, so thankful for 20 years here. I’m gonna miss it so much, I’m not going anywhere, but I’m gonna miss it. I wish we could’ve done a little bit more to get to the Finals, but I’m so proud of this team this year. I’m so so so proud to be a member of the Seattle Storm. It has been my honor to play for this franchise, to play for these fans. I don’t know what else to say.”
The final bow. #ThankYouSue
— WSLAM (@wslam) September 7, 2022
📸 @trapographer pic.twitter.com/e9IG5k8JPo
At 41-years-old, Bird came in thinking the 2022 season would be her last but didn’t make it official until June 16. Funny enough, Bird’s last regular-season home game was against Las Vegas, who also played party pooper during the regular-season finale.
“It’s hard to say,” Bird said about her legacy. “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. The same goes for the rest of the team as well, but I hope I made everyone in here proud.”
Sue Bird helped change the game in and off the court.
— WSLAM (@wslam) September 7, 2022
She built for the future. #ThankYouSue pic.twitter.com/BHWPgXGRfr
The Aces advance to their third Finals and first since 2020, a title round series they lost to — Bird and the Storm. The 2020 title in the “Wubble” was the fourth championship for Bird and Seattle.
