'Sue Bird Day': Sun beat Storm in Bird's final game in Connecticut

It was officially Sue Bird Day in Connecticut on Thursday, but the former UConn star's last scheduled night playing in the state was spoiled by the Connecticut Sun.

Alyssa Thomas scored 19 points and dished out 11 assists to lead Connecticut over the Seattle Storm 88-83.

Brionna Jones added 13 points, and Courtney Williams and DeWanna Bonner each had 12 for the Sun (20-9).

"A lot of times as a UConn player, I feel like the fans look at us like family," Bird said. "And they stay with us through our careers. That's something that I treasure, something I've really enjoyed every time I came back here. So, tonight was a perfect way to end that. I would have preferred a win, but I'll take it."

Two other former UConn stars, Breanna Stewart and Gabby Williams led Seattle with 17 and 16 points respectively.

Bird, who plans to retire at the end of this season, hit her first two shots of the game — both 3-pointers — and had eight points in helping Seattle to an early 18-8 lead. The Storm led 24-21 after a quarter.

But Connecticut closed the first half on an 11-3 run. A one-handed set shot from Thomas gave Connecticut its first lead just before halftime and Connecticut went into the break up 44-40 and led 72-68 after three quarters.

4️⃣ triples for Sue Bird!