all scores

Sue Bird honored in last regular season game in Seattle

img
Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm waves to fans after her last regular season home game of her career against the Las Vegas Aces at Climate Pledge Arena on August 07, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Sue Bird received a farewell fit for a legend on Sunday in the Seattle Storm’s final home regular season game.

The 41-year-old announced before the season that her 19th year with the Storm would be her last, triggering a wave of celebrations across the WNBA.

“Right now I just want to say, from the bottom of my heart, how thankful I am,” Bird said before Sunday’s game, which Seattle lost to the Las Vegas Aces 89-81. “Not only for today, and all of you showing up and supporting us, but for 21 years … This place is not only where I played, it’s where I call home.”

The Storm honored Bird with a pregame ceremony in front of a sell-out crowd at Climate Pledge Arena. The star guard was presented with a custom ring commemorating her four WNBA championships, her 13 All-Star appearances and her status as the league’s all-time assists leader.

Before the game, Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell declared Aug. 7 “Sue Bird Day” in recognition of Bird’s contributions to the Storm and the city of Seattle during her storied WNBA career.

Depending on Seattle’s seeding for the playoffs, which begin Aug. 17, Sunday could have marked Bird’s last game in front of a Seattle crowd.

The Storm are currently battling for the No. 4 seed, which would secure them home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.