Seattle — This time, there were tears on the court and in the spectators, as the severity of the situation finally reached Sue Bird and the hundreds of fans who hoped for at least 40 more minutes of her career.
The Las Vegas Aces advanced to the WNBA Finals with a 97-92 victory against the Seattle Storm in Game 4 of their semifinal series on Tuesday night.
It brought Bird’s remarkable career to an end.
With it came appreciation from fans, emotions, and a final exit from the court where Bird’s career began more than two decades ago.
“Kinda odd. Definitely bizarre. I believe that originally I felt depressed about the season and the game. And I believe, when the emotions began to rise, that this was also what I knew in my heart was my final game “Bird remarked.
Seattle Storm guard Sue Bird waves to supporters shouting her name after the Storm were ousted from the playoffs in Game 4 of a WNBA basketball semifinal against the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 in Seattle. The Aces won by a score of 97-92. AP/Lindsey Wasson
Gray scored 15 of her 31 points in the fourth quarter, and the Aces won the best-of-five series 3-1, with each game featuring frantic, high-pressure play and exceptional shot-making. Gray made five of six baskets down the stretch and scored 12 of the Aces’ final 20 points, resulting in the Aces’ eventual victory.
Noelle Quinn, coach for Seattle, stated, “I don’t believe anyone on Earth can defend her.” “She was unresponsive.”
Las Vegas will make its third Finals appearance in franchise history. The franchise reached the Finals in 2008 while still residing in San Antonio, but fell to Detroit. In 2020, the franchise was defeated by Seattle.
“Similar to the girl who defeated Serena (Williams). It is soursweet, “The Aces’ coach, Becky Hammon, stated. “I am certain that our personnel, team, and company hold Sue in the highest regard. She has had a career that is the stuff of childhood dreams. She experienced it.”
Sue Bird on making her connection with Megan Rapinoe public. 01:43
Breanna Stewart tied the WNBA playoff record with 42 points, becoming just the fifth player to score at least 40 points in a playoffs game. Jewell Loyd contributed 29 points to the total. After Las Vegas took the lead early in the second half, Seattle was unable to find a third scorer, and the Aces were able to withstand every Seattle onslaught.
In the Finals, the attention will be on the Aces. On this night, the repercussions of the outcome were all about Bird and the end of her storied career as a mainstay of the Storm team and the WNBA.
After the final buzzer, Bird remained on the court to receive hugs from the whole lineup of the Aces. She brushed away her tears as the audience applauded, wept, and yelled “Thank you, Sue.”
Bird stated, “I also wanted to have one last minute to say thank you and take it all in, since in some ways it is a joyous thing.” I am pleased with everything we have accomplished here.
Bird, the league’s oldest player at age 41, began the season contemplating retirement, but made a decisive choice midway through the regular season.
In Seattle’s home regular-season finale, Bird was honored by the franchise and the league for her 21 seasons with the team and 19 as a player, despite missing two seasons due to injury. However, the celebration was spoilt by Las Vegas.
Bird concludes her career as one of the most decorated athletes of all time: four WNBA championships, five Olympic gold medals, two collegiate championships at UConn, the WNBA’s all-time leader in assists and games played, and recognition as one of the league’s greatest players during its golden era.
She will also retire with the definition of a floor leader and, ultimately, a victor.
She was unable to add a fifth title to her final CV, however.
Stewart stated, “As disappointing as it is that we will no longer be able to compete for a championship, what’s more upsetting is that we will no longer be sharing the court with Sue.”
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