RAIN ON HER PARADE
Bird's Seattle sendoff spoiled by Las Vegas
SEATTLE — Sue Bird was at the conclusion of her speech Sunday to the sold out crowd, nearly all of whom still remained, and decided — maybe hoped — this would not be the last time she would get to play in the city she has called home for the past two decades.
“I don’t really have that ‘Mamba Out’ moment,” Bird said referencing Kobe Bryant’s retirement speech. “I just want to say I love you, thank you so much and I’ll see you in the playoffs.”
The day set aside to honor Bird and her career with the Seattle Storm was slightly soured when the Las Vegas Aces pulled away late for an 89-81 win. A’ja Wilson scored 29 points and Kelsey Plum added 16 including a key 3-pointer in the final minute.
But the result didn’t take away from the three hours in which Storm fans, WNBA fans and the city of Seattle said thank you to the 41-year-old Bird for her career as the face of the franchise. The largest crowd in Storm history packed Climate Pledge Arena to
honor Bird as one of the best women’s basketball players ever.
“I think today was yes, an honor in honor of me and people showed up, showed out for sure. It really was amazing,” said Bird, a Long Island native and Christ the King graduate. “But I think it’s really, truly a celebration of Storm basketball because I am kind of Storm basketball.”
Unfortunately, the Aces weren’t willing to play their part. Wilson dominated the first three quarters and the Aces never trailed over the final 28 minutes.
“I wasn’t trying to crash Sue’s party,”
Wilson joked. “She invited me.”
Breanna Stewart finished with a season-high 35 points for the Storm. Tina Charles, also a Christ the King alumna, added 19. Bird finished with nine points, six assists and four rebounds, but the result was much like the first game she played in Seattle 20 years ago — a loss.
“I’m not going to lie, it kind of sucks to lose my last game. But you know what, I lost my first game too. So it’s OK,” Bird joked with the crowd after the final buzzer.