A key chapter in WNBA history closed Sunday when its legend Seattle Storm, Sue Birdplayed the final home game of the regular season at Climate Pledge Sand.
The Emerald City stated that on Sunday, August 7, as the “Sue Bird Day” in honor of the 13-time All-Star on a day when fans packed the stadium to say goodbye to the New York regular season for the last time.
Last June, Bird announced that the 2022 WNBA season would be her last. and would retire after an incredible 21 years with the Storm. The point guard leaves his name high in the Seattle record books, hanging up his boots as the franchise’s all-time leader in points, assists, steals, games and minutes played.
And even if Sunday was the end of the regular season, Bird will still have more games ahead of him in the playoffs as the Storm currently sit in second place in the standings. Western Conference with a 20-13 record.
But before the spotlight turns on Bird’s bid for her fifth WNBA title, it’s time to recap the highlights of a tribute-filled night.
Highlights from Sue Bird’s final game in Seattle
Fans gathered outside the Climate Pledge Arena for hours before Bird’s regular season finale as the Storm legend played in front of a sold out stadium.
Appearance for the GOAT 🤩@ClimateArena X #TheFinalFlight pic.twitter.com/QHgaz7i5d3
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 7, 2022
Before she could even step on the floor for warmups, Bird greeted her family in the locker room tunnel, causing emotions to run high from the start.
Family means everything 💚💛
surprise, @S10Bird! 🙂🐐👋#TheFinalFlight pic.twitter.com/Ta7ncsEqZ0
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 7, 2022
Bird then received a personalized ring highlighting his 21 seasons of success and loyalty to Seattle.
.@S10Bird taking it ALL IN 🧡
In a sold out arena, Sue Bird is honored before Seattle’s final home game of the regular season 💐#More than pic.twitter.com/tGCuWHwBqV
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 7, 2022
Suitable for GOAT 🐐⛈#TheFinalFlight X @BaronRings pic.twitter.com/NWlRu26KUl
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 7, 2022
And he also received the framed USA National Team jersey.
A full house here in Seattle for the price @S10Bird a presentation of it @usbasketball sweater 🧡 pic.twitter.com/ASj5vYeOFk
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 7, 2022
Moments later give a moving speech in front of the audience.
we love you, @S10Bird 💚💛
Thank you for all you have given to Seattle and the game of basketball. #TheFinalFlight pic.twitter.com/UidfAziZJe
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 7, 2022
As the fight began, Bird continued to receive love from the fans and one girl even tried to give him a flower before the duel began.
giving @S10Bird her flowers 💐😍#TheFinalFlight pic.twitter.com/kY6uJnGXXU
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 7, 2022
And even after a tough loss to the Las Vegas Aces, the crowd erupted in cheers “Thanks Sue” while conducting his post-match interview in midfield.
THANK YOU Lawsuit#TheFinalFlight pic.twitter.com/V0XmI5Jgb8
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 7, 2022
The entire sports world was very attentive to what was happening in Seattle, where LeBron James stood out.
Seattle rocked today for Sue Bird’s last home game! I might have to take a trip up there before the summer is over and run! 🤔
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 7, 2022
The city fully supported the player, offering their full support to fire Bird in the final game of the regular season in Seattle.
SUEattle 🐐⛈️@S10Bird X #TheFinalFlight pic.twitter.com/oIXEZ5IOQL
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 7, 2022
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the NBA or its organizations.
