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What’s up y’all. It’s Prince here for Layup Lines, and before we get into tonight’s Game 6, let’s talk about Sue Bird, who announced today she’s retiring at the end of this WNBA season. It’ll mark the end of a truly legendary career, so I pulled up a few stats to highlight how great she’s been, and man, these are truly mind-blowing.
Bird, who was drafted by the Seattle Storm with the first overall pick of the 2002 draft, leads the WNBA in all-time career games, minutes and assists. She’s also second in career 3-pointers, third in assists per game and top 10 in total points and win shares. That’s not to mention what the four-time champion has done in postseason and Olympic play.
The stats are incredible. And though she’ll inevitably be knocked down a few of those lists by the awesome players still active and the ones yet to come, she has 22 games left this season to continue adding to those numbers – starting Friday against the Connecticut Sun. And it’ll be fun to see which of her records stands the test of time.
However, the number I’m looking at the most isn’t the shiny all-time assists mark, currently at 3,114. That’ll fall eventually if someone like Courtney Vandersloot is able to match Bird’s longevity. And that’s why the games played number is the one I’m most impressed by. Not only was she great on the court, but she was always available – for 559 games and counting.
In her 17 seasons before sitting out in 2019, her missed 2013 season was the only other time she sat for more than seven games. Just last season, at 40, she played in 30 of 32 games. It’s LeBron-like durability. That’s why when she’s gone, it’ll be so weird. Because we’re just so used to seeing her out there, doing what she does best.
The only thing left to do now is appreciate the last few games of an awesome career.
The Tip-Off
Some NBA goodness from around the USA TODAY Sports network.
Anyone watching the NBA Finals can tell Celtics big man Robert Williams is far from 100% out there. He tore his meniscus in March, and after having a procedure to repair the knee, he’s been battling through it to help his team win a title.
According to league insider Chris Haynes, Williams was told by the team that there was no risk of him making the injury worse. But as our guy Bryan Kalbrosky wrote, ex-Celtic Isaiah Thomas isn’t buying it after his own experience playing through injury.
“The guard was traded that offseason. After the trade, medical examinations revealed news about Thomas’ health so concerning that the move was nearly voided. He suffered a torn labrum and other injuries to his right hip that were exacerbated by playing through the pain.
He has admitted that he should have sat out the playoffs and that he made his injury worse by playing through it. Thomas, who later required hip surgery, couldn’t help but notice the parallels between his story with Boston and what may be happening to Celtics big man Robert Williams right now.”
It’s easy to understand why IT might be skeptical.
One to Watch
(All odds via Tipico.)
Warriors (+130) vs. Celtics (+3.5, -160), O/U 210.5, 9 PM ET
I was on Warriors in 6 from the jump. And after the early portion of this series nearly caused me to flip on that pick, I’m feeling really good about it and think the Dubs close this thing out in Boston. I’m looking for Game 6 Klay to have an emergence in a game that goes over this total, because Boston won’t go out without swinging.
Shootaround
— NBA Draft prospect Ron Harper Jr. talked with BK about his mentality on the court.
— Looking for some NBA Finals player props? Our guy Cole Huff has you covered.
— Here’s the list of 20 prospects invited to attend the NBA Draft.
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