The Seattle Storm will play the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA semifinals after a history-making night from Sue Bird helped the team to a 97-84 win to clinch the team’s first-round series against the Washington Mystics.
Bird had 18 points and 10 assists Sunday — her highest offensive outputs in each category all season. Her nine first-quarter points were her most in an opening frame this season.
“Vintage Sue,” Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn said. “There’s something about these moments that makes me understand why she’s so great. You see her just kick a different gear mentally and physically.”
.@S10Bird calls game ‼️The Seattle Storm are moving on to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs 👏 (via @WNBA)pic.twitter.com/70ICAETi6S— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 21, 2022
.@S10Bird calls game ‼️The Seattle Storm are moving on to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs 👏 (via @WNBA)pic.twitter.com/70ICAETi6S
The double-double made her the oldest player in WNBA history to record a playoff double-double at 41 years old. She previously had set the record in 2020 during the Storm’s WNBA Finals win at age 39.
“I only have so many games left,” Bird said. “What today’s win did was obviously push us into the semifinals. It also guaranteed us more home games. That was definitely in the back of my mind as I entered today. It wasn’t some overwhelming motivator, just kind of a thought I had as I entered.”
On top of Bird, the team’s remaining four starters also scored in double digits Sunday. Breanna Stewart led the team with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Jewell Loyd added 19 points. For the Mystics, a team-high 21 points from Natasha Cloud did not prove enough to overcome the Storm.
The Storm are making their third trip to the semifinals since 2018. Their previous two trips (2018 and 2020) ended in championship wins.