Sue Bird stood atop the most recognizable landmark in Seattle helping raise a giant green flag to show off the new logo of the only WNBA franchise she has ever played for.
The Seattle is back in the finals for the second time in three seasons after the Storm swept Minnesota in the best-of-five semifinals of the WNBA playoffs.
Breanna Stewart led league-leading Seattle with 16 points despite a poor shooting night and the Storm welcomed back Sue Bird with a 71-64 victory over the Washington Mystics.
Epiphanny Prince scored 16 points, making four of Seattle’s 13 3-pointers, and the Storm eased by the New York Liberty 105-64 for their ninth straight victory.
Sue Bird will be sidelined for a bit as she recovers from a bone bruise in her left knee. Seattle’s star guard felt the injury during the team’s win over Minnesota last week.
Chelsea Gray had 21 points and eight assists, Candace Parker added 11 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and Los Angeles Sparks eliminated the Storm 92-69.
The WNBA's playoff bracket is set on the final day of the regular season. Washington, Connecticut and Los Angeles had already sealed up the top-three playoff spots.
WNBA actions fulled the Barclays Center, for the first time during the regular season that the Liberty played in Brooklyn. The Storm won 84-69 on Sunday.