Sunday closed a chapter in WNBA history as Storm legend Sue Bird played her final regular season game in Seattle.
The city declared Sunday, Aug. 7 as "Sue Bird Day" in the 13-time All-Star's honor as fans packed Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle to praise the all-time great on a remarkable career.
In June, Bird announced that the 2022 WNBA season would be her last, retiring after 21 incredible years with the Storm. Bird left her name all over Seattle's record books, retiring as the franchise's all-time leader in points, assists, steals and minutes played.
And although Sunday was the regular season finale, Bird will still have more playoff games to come in Seattle as the Storm are currently sitting in second place in the Western Conference with a 20-13 record.
But before attention shifts to Bird chasing her fifth WNBA title, let's take a moment to soak in her special day with some sights and sounds from Seattle.
Sue Bird's final regular season game in Seattle
The fans lined up outside of Climate Pledge Arena for hours before Bird's regular season finale as the Storm legend played in front of a sold-out crowd.
Showing out for the GOAT 🤩@ClimateArena x #TheFinalFlight pic.twitter.com/QHgaz7i5d3
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 7, 2022
Before she could hit the floor for warmups, Bird was greeted by her family in the tunnel, getting the emotions going early.
Family means everything 💚💛
Surprise, @S10Bird! 🙂🐐👋#TheFinalFlight pic.twitter.com/Ta7ncsEqZ0
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 7, 2022
Then Seattle gave Bird her own ring to commemorate 21 seasons of success and loyalty to the franchise.
.@S10Bird taking it ALL IN 🧡
In a sold out arena, Sue Bird is honored before her final regular season home game in Seattle 💐#MoreThan pic.twitter.com/tGCuWHwBqV
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 7, 2022
Fit for a GOAT 🐐⛈#TheFinalFlight x @BaronRings pic.twitter.com/NWlRu26KUl
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 7, 2022
Bird also received her framed USA Basketball jersey...
A packed house here in Seattle to honor @S10Bird a presentation of her @usabasketball jersey 🧡 pic.twitter.com/ASj5vYeOFk
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 7, 2022
...then addressed the sell-out crowd with a heartfelt pregame speech.
We love you, @S10Bird 💚💛
Thank you for everything you have given to Seattle and the game of basketball. #TheFinalFlight pic.twitter.com/UidfAziZJe
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 7, 2022
When the game got underway, Bird continued to get love from the fans as one little girl even tried to give her a flower before inbounding the ball.
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 with chants of "Thank you Sue" as she took her postgame interview at mid-court.
THANK YOU SUE#TheFinalFlight pic.twitter.com/V0XmI5Jgb8
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 7, 2022
The entire sports world took notice of the big day, with LeBron James chiming in on the rocking home crowd...
Seattle was rockin' today for Sue Bird last home game! I may have to make a trip up there before summer's out and get a run in! 🤔
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 7, 2022
...and Seattle Mariners outfielder Jesse Winker also made sure to give Bird a shoutout in his postgame interview after his team's win right down the road.
.@JesseWinker gives a special shoutout to @S10Bird on a legendary career 👏 #TheFinalFlight pic.twitter.com/reqasEfUql
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 7, 2022
The city absolutely showed out with a reception that was perfectly suited for a legend of Sue Bird's caliber as she played her final regular season game in Seattle.
SUEattle 🐐⛈️@S10Bird x #TheFinalFlight pic.twitter.com/oIXEZ5IOQL
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 7, 2022
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