Sue Bird definitely didn’t go out the way she wanted to.
The Seattle Storm couldn’t eke out just one more win against the Aces in Game 4. Breanna Stewart’s 42 points weren’t enough to overcome 31 points and 10 assists from Chelsea Gray along with A’ja Wilson’s 23 points and 13 rebounds. The star-studded performances were everywhere on Tuesday night.
But when the final buzzer sounded, at least for a moment, it didn’t feel like any of those numbers mattered anymore. The series was over, and so was Sue Bird’s career.
Bird announced that this would be her final season at the beginning of the year, no matter where it ended. She didn’t win her final game, but she may have gotten something a bit sweeter.
After the final buzzer when things were all said and done and Bird, waved goodbye to her fans.
Sue Bird says goodbye: pic.twitter.com/wA5WKTNkd3
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) September 7, 2022
She did her final interview and everyone erupted in “Thank you, Sue,” chants. And, immediately, the emotions flared up for Bird.
"THANK YOU SUE!"
Sue Bird's final sendoff ❤️ pic.twitter.com/y9HMg8jnjJ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 7, 2022
“It has been my honor to play for this franchise, for these fans. I mean, I don’t know what else to say.”
What a moment, man. A very well-deserved sendoff for a future Hall of Famer. Soon after, everyone showed Bird love, from some of her peers to her fans and everything in between.
The internet kept the party going.
SUE BIRD FOREVER 💛 #Thankyousue pic.twitter.com/Qu2A1MjkdR
— TOGETHXR (@togethxr) September 7, 2022
Legend. Take a bow @S10Bird https://t.co/fB39IKdEuk
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) September 7, 2022
Sylvia Fowles.
Sue Bird.
Serena Williams.
Allyson Felix.
We may never see four of the greatest retire in the same year, from three different sports again. The impact will be felt for generations. Respect.
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) September 7, 2022
Serena Williams and Sue Bird leaving their respective sports a few days apart. We are all witnesses.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) September 7, 2022
Wild to imagine basketball without Sue Bird. It’s been a pleasure to follow her career, something that’s always been in the backdrop of my life
Even when basketball wasn’t central to what I was doing or who I was, you read and see things going on and take it for granted
— Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler) September 7, 2022
sue motherfucking bird
as good as it gets
as good as there’s ever been pic.twitter.com/mipblgmW9I
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) September 7, 2022
congrats on an incredible career, sue bird
a legend at the position, a wonderful person off the court and a player whose mark on the WNBA will be felt forever
— Matt Ellentuck (@mellentuck) September 7, 2022
“I’m gonna miss it” -Sue Bird
The game will miss you @S10Bird
— Arielle (Ari) Chambers (@ariivory) September 7, 2022
Congrats on an amazing career Sue Bird 🐐
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) September 7, 2022
19 Seasons
13x All-Star
4x WNBA Champion
1 of the greatest to ever do it.Thank you for everything @S10Bird
— Rachel Galligan (@RachGall) September 7, 2022
Sue deserves all her things! Congratulations on a legendary career! https://t.co/yso3hRmLck
— Keyshawn’s Bail Money 💰 (@DHtheComposer) September 7, 2022
LEGEND. https://t.co/HAWZazS7hm
— evie (@barcelonababy12) September 7, 2022
#GOAT𓃵 #wnba #thankyousue https://t.co/0pyuzAZ1Dj
— Grey (@TechnicolorGrey) September 7, 2022
G.O.A.T.#thankyousue https://t.co/07gAXmHNNY
— Brooke Sullivan (@brookesulli) September 7, 2022
Helluva career @S10Bird! #Legend #HOFer 🔟💚💛 https://t.co/OydxK8mwO3
— NIGHT PANTHER – SZ0 ♎ (@subz3r0_blu90) September 7, 2022
A Seattle sports icon, legend, and goat. Congrats on an amazing career. https://t.co/m5sEEeeIal
— ‘Ners Nation (@seattlesports17) September 7, 2022
What a career. Congratulations, Sue Bird. We’ll see you in the Hall of Fame.
