Seattle Storm Guard Sue Bird’s Farewell Game

Seattle Storm guard Sue Bird received a standing ovation from the visiting crowd during what will most likely be her final game in front of New York City supporters. Standing ovations were given to Bird, who declared earlier this week that the 2022 season would be her last, in the final seconds before Seattle defeated the Liberty, 81-72.

In her Post-Game Interview Bird was full of emotions and thanked the fans for such unconditional love. “Unbelievable. To all the fans that came out, thank you so much. I’ve got people in here that I’ve known my whole life — friends, family, old friends, new friends, some homies — it has really been amazing. I’m so glad that I was able to hit my final shot in my final game in New York.”

Bird had 11 points, four assists, and three rebounds after the game. She made 3-of-7 attempts from beyond the arc, including her final attempt of the contest, which missed following a good bounce.

Sue Bird and her more than 20 years of career

Bird, 41, was born approximately 30 miles east of New York City, in Syosset, New York. Less than 10 miles from the Barclays Center lies Christ the King High School in Queens, where she played high school basketball.

Despite missing the 2013 and 2019 seasons due to injuries, Bird is in her 21st season with Seattle. She has won five gold medals at the Olympics and leads the WNBA career assists, games, and minutes played lists. Bird, a four-time WNBA champion and 12-time All-Star selection, was selected No. 1 overall by the Storm in the WNBA draught in 2002.

At the University of Connecticut, Bird was a standout who helped the Huskies win two national titles. She led UConn to a 39-0 record that season and was named the AP College Player of the Year in 2002. The Liberty, according to Bird, made sure that Bird’s family had tickets to the game, and the players from New York donned shirts that read, “Thank you, Sue.”

“This is where I grew up,” Bird continued. “Anybody knows who’s from New York, it teaches you a lot about basketball. There is a legacy here; New York basketball is the best. I just tried to uphold my side of it and now it’s time to pass the torch.”