Steph Chambers/Getty Images
The eyes of the women’s basketball world were on the Climate Pledge Arena as Sue Bird played her final home game of the regular season for the Seattle Storm.
The Storm came out on top against the Las Vegas Aces, falling 89-81 on Sunday. Bird finished with nine points, six assists, four rebounds and one steal in 32 minutes on the floor.
But that did little to dampen the mood. From start to finish, Seattle fans made sure to give the 41-year-old a send-off befitting her legendary status:
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Sue Bird soaks in the moment before Seattle’s final home game of the regular season 💐🐐
Rowan Samberg @rowanschaberg
“Thank you Sue” from fans after Sue Bird’s final regular season game here in Seattle❤️ #TakeCover< /a> #WNBATwitter | @TheNextHoops pic.twitter.com/m6YqyoF7CN
TOGETHXR @togetherxr
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
This young fan gave Sue Bird a flower during the final game of the regular season in Seattle ❤️ pic.twitter.com/H1OZGlkJWB
ESPN @espn
Sue Bird felt the love after the final game of the regular season in Seattle 👏 pic.twitter.com/OO69ZfDJZ4
The outpouring of support was also evident on social media:
Swin Cash @SwinCash
If you know her, than you know when this big woman who fell in NYC was dating 😂. Let’s get it @S10Bird pic.twitter.com/ITfPAn9UiX
Dawnstaley @Dawnstaley
His legacy @S10Bird she is etched on the Mount Rushmore of all basketball.
Dawnstaley @Dawnstaley
THANK YOU SUE! Dreams came true because of you… and they will continue to do so yes because of you! I love you @S10Bird
Seattle Mariners @Sailors
Goat status 🐐
With love and respect for her @S10Bird in the final game of the regular season. #TheFinalFlight https://t.co/T7YV9ZquBm
Seattle Kraken @SeattleKraken
Shout out to the STORM! 🐐🫡
Thank you for all you have done for Seattle on and off the field, @S10Bird< /a>! pic.twitter.com/e5JDf2LJlx
OL Reign @OLReign
Congratulations to @S10Bird for a legendary career with the @seattlestorm! The last home game of the regular season #WNBA it’s today – come and greet it #GOAT on her last flight 🐐🍾🙌#BoldTogether x #TakeCover pic.twitter.com/ObpW7Cu82Q
NBA @NBA
One of the greatest ever to do it.
Congratulations, @S10Bird https://t.co/Gzzov9qrvC
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced before the game that August 7, 2022 will be Sue Bird Day.
Seattle Storm @seattle storm
⛈️ H @MayorofSeattle officially declared today Sue Bird Day in the city of Seattle!
We are so proud that you have called this city home for 21 years, @S10Bird! #TheFinalFlight pic.twitter.com/QIBkTkEnn7
At least so far, Bird’s final season probably doesn’t have the storybook ending he would have hoped for. The Storm are now in fourth place in the WNBA at 20-13, and Sunday’s loss was another example of how tough the road to a fourth title will be.
But Bird has already cemented her legacy as the best point guard in WNBA history.
