Sunday is often a busy day in the WNBA, but even by the league’s standards this past one was a marathon. There were six games, with all 12 teams in action, multiple nail-biting finishes and two jersey retirement ceremonies for all-time legends and future Hall of Famers: Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles.
Bird went first after the Storm’s comeback attempt vs. the Mystics came up short, though she was nearly still talking by the time Fowles’ event began. You only get one jersey retirement ceremony and Bird and the Storm certainly made the most of hers in what ended up being about a three-hour event filled with heartwarming speeches and memories from the brilliant point guard and those closest to her.
Later in the evening, after the Lynx did manage to pull off a thrilling comeback win over the Sparks, it was Fowles’ turn. To little surprise, she did not bask in the spotlight for as long as Bird, but there were likewise a number of speakers on hand to share their favorite stories about one of the best players, and people, to ever grace the league. Fowles made such an impression in her time in Minneapolis that the organization even created an award to honor her selflessness and commitment to the community.
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