HARTFORD, Conn. — Sue Bird tried to make like it just another day, another game and another fond farewell as her season of fond farewells winds down.
“She said to the coaches today, she was ‘peaceful,’ and I love that,” Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn said. “Knowing that you’re getting your flowers, you’re getting your recognition and you’re going out on your own, there’s something to say about that. But obviously, there’s a little extra juice when you’re back in Connecticut and have more of the fans cheering for her than probably the Sun at some points.”
Bird, 41, who announced her intention to retire on June 17, came to play the Sun for the last time on Thursday night, at least by the schedule. The Sun and Storm, two of the best teams in the WNBA, could meet in the playoffs, but there would be no time for gifts and ceremonies under those circumstances.
