The Seattle Storm could have used Sue Bird on Sunday afternoon during their 71-65 defeat to the Washington Mystics in a rematch of their first-round playoff series from last season. Instead, the legendary point guard was sitting courtside ahead of her jersey retirement ceremony, which took place after the game.
The festivities actually started pre-game, as Bird received a standing ovation from the near-sellout crowd — many of whom lined up hours before tip-off — as she made made her way to her seat.
Bird also delivered a video message to the city, which was played on the jumbotron.
It read, in part:
Dear Seattle.
From the moment I heard my name on draft night, I knew this city would always hold a special place in my heart. Twenty-one years later, this place has become home. You embraced an eager rookie from Syosset, New York from Day One, and the rest was history. Together, we built a legacy that will always be remembered, adding to the rich basketball history this city holds.
The No. 10 that will hang forever in these rafters symbolizes more than just my individual accomplishments. It represents every person who has supported me, the teammates and staff who competed alongside me and…
