“My very first points in the WNBA at KeyArena as a rookie were on a layup. My very final points in the WNBA were at Climate Pledge on a layup,” Bird said.

Shortly before a bronze statue of Sue Bird was unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena, an onlooking fan chimed in during a brief moment of silence.

"I hope it tells a simple story," she said. "That greatness isn't about being perfect. It's about being persistent. That you can be true to yourself and still achieve extraordinary things."