20 Most Emotional Moments of Sue Bird’s WNBA Career

Sue Bird spent 21 seasons in the WNBA and left behind one of the most respected careers in professional basketball. Her journey is filled with personal and team achievements, deep relationships, and moments of true vulnerability. These photos and events reflect her leadership, resilience, and impact far beyond just winning games.

1. Drafted First Overall (2002)

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Sue Bird was selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm. The moment was a career milestone and marked the start of a long relationship with the city of Seattle. The photo of her holding up her jersey on draft day shows pride and calm focus. She was already seen as someone who could lead a franchise.

2. Rookie Season All-Star (2002)

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Bird made the WNBA All-Star team in her first season. She averaged over 14 points and 6 assists and helped turn the Storm into a playoff contender. Being chosen so early validated her place in the league. Her on-court celebration after that first All-Star nod showed how much it meant to her.

3. First Playoff Appearance (2002)

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Later that season, the Storm made their first playoff appearance. The team lost, but Bird’s leadership and confidence stood out. The moment she walked off the court, she was emotional but determined. It was the beginning of her reputation as a calm and steady leader in high-pressure moments.

4. Knee Surgery and Recovery (2003)

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In her second season, Bird suffered a knee injury that required surgery. She played through pain and later admitted how difficult that time was physically and mentally. A post-surgery photo showed her in recovery, smiling but tired. The experience shaped how she approached health and longevity throughout her career.

5. First WNBA Championship (2004)

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Bird and the Storm won their first WNBA title in 2004. The photo of her hugging teammate Lauren Jackson after the final buzzer captured years of effort and trust. It was an emotional win for the city and for Bird’s young but growing career. She called it one of the best moments of her life.

6. Loss of Teammate Margo Dydek (2011)

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In 2011, former teammate Margo Dydek passed away unexpectedly. Bird had played alongside her in previous seasons and was visibly shaken by the news. She spoke publicly about Margo’s kindness and presence. It reminded fans of how deeply connected players are off the court.

7. Shoulder Injury and Missing 2013 Season

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Sue missed the entire 2013 WNBA season after undergoing surgery for a knee and then shoulder injury. For a player known for durability, this time away was frustrating. A photo of her watching games from the bench showed quiet support and longing. She later said that sitting out taught her how much she loved the game.

8. Comeback Season (2014)

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After a year off, Bird returned in 2014 with renewed focus. She had to rebuild her rhythm and regain trust in her body. A key photo of her during that comeback season shows a more focused and composed version of herself. It was a reminder of her long-term commitment and discipline.

9. 2016 Olympics and Team USA Leadership

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At the Rio Olympics, Bird was named co-captain of the USA women’s basketball team. She led with experience and composure, helping the team win gold. One photo of her placing her hand over her heart during the national anthem before the final became widely shared. It reflected her pride and responsibility in that role.

10. Facial Injury in 2017 Playoffs

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Bird suffered a broken nose during the 2017 WNBA playoffs but returned wearing a protective mask. Despite the injury, she continued to play at a high level. The photo of her with the mask on, locked in during a playoff game, showed resilience. She didn’t let it slow her down and even played better in critical games.

11. WNBA Title No. 3 (2018)

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In 2018, the Storm won their third WNBA championship, and Bird was the oldest player on the team. She delivered key assists and leadership throughout the Finals. A locker room photo showed her holding the trophy with her younger teammates around her. She called it the most rewarding championship of her career.

12. Postgame Tears After 2018 Semifinals

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After a clutch performance against Phoenix in Game 5 of the 2018 semifinals, Bird was overcome with emotion in the postgame interview. She had scored 14 points in the final minutes after being masked again for another injury. That raw moment of relief and pride stood out in her career. It was one of her most praised playoff performances.

13. Public Support for Social Justice (2020)

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In the 2020 bubble season, Bird was outspoken in support of social justice, voting rights, and Black Lives Matter. The photo of her kneeling with teammates before a game in protest was powerful. She worked behind the scenes on initiatives like “More Than a Vote.” It showed her influence extended far beyond basketball.  

14. WNBA Title No. 4 (2020)

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At age 39, Bird won her fourth title during the COVID-19 bubble season. Her leadership was key in helping the team stay mentally strong. A photo of her lifting the trophy in an empty arena captures a different kind of victory. It was a quiet but meaningful win in a difficult year.

15. Public Relationship with Megan Rapinoe (2017–2022)

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Sue Bird’s relationship with soccer star Megan Rapinoe became public in 2017. Their appearance on the cover of ESPN The Magazine as the first same-sex couple to do so was an important personal and cultural moment. Bird later said that being open about her identity helped her grow off the court. Their shared activism and support for one another became a core part of her public image.

16. Passing the All-Time Assists Record (2017)

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Bird became the WNBA’s all-time assists leader in 2017. The photo of her passing the ball in mid-air from that record-setting game is pure focus. She finished her career with more than 3,000 assists. Her ability to create for others defined her playing style.

17. Final Season Announcement (2022)

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In June 2022, Bird officially announced that the season would be her last. She made the announcement while on the road in Connecticut, close to where she grew up. The moment was met with applause and tears from fans in the arena. The photo of her waving to the crowd shows a player deeply respected across the league.

18. Final Regular Season Game (2022)

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Sue Bird played her last regular season home game in front of a sold-out Seattle crowd. She was honored with tributes, standing ovations, and messages from athletes around the world. A photo of her standing at center court, looking emotional, reflects the full weight of her two-decade career. She thanked the crowd with a short, heartfelt speech.

19. Final Playoff Game (2022)

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In her final playoff game, the Storm lost in a tight series against the Las Vegas Aces. Bird walked off the court one last time, with teammates hugging her along the sideline. A shot of her turning back to glance at the crowd shows reflection and peace. She later said, “I know deep down this was it.”

20. Retirement Celebration (2023)

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Bird was officially honored by the Storm in a ceremony the following year. Her jersey was retired, and tributes poured in from coaches, teammates, and fans. The ceremony was emotional, with Bird thanking the city for its support over the past 21 years. The final photo of her standing under her raised jersey sums up the career of a legend.

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