Bird out tonight as Storm host Lynx

It’s not quite DNP-Old, but it might as well be. The Seattle Storm announced earlier Wednesday night that 37-year-old point guard Sue Bird will miss tonight’s home game against the Minnesota Lynx with “left knee soreness”. She is listed as day-to-day on the team’s injury report.

After an inspiring win on Saturday night in interim coach Gary Kloppenburg’s debut, Seattle was set to begin their postseason battle with eight games to go in the season. However, despite their spot in the standings, player health and physical maintenance are often valued above winning by players and teams. Bird’s absence tonight can be seen as an example.

The point guard was quiet on Saturday night in Phoenix, making one of five shots and playing only 27 minutes in a win. Her injury could have started even before this week, in practice or in an earlier game. She has certainly found a way to stay in peak game shape for long enough to sustain a nearly 15-year career. Nights like this, where caution beats aggressiveness, certainly help.

In her absence, the Storm will look to keep positive momentum going as they host Minnesota. This season, thanks in large part to Bird’s contributions, the Storm are second in the league in assists per game. Yet even without Bird, the Storm can rely on talented young players like Breanna Stewart and Jewel Loyd to carry their offense.

Next: Winning is all that matters for new coach Kloppenburg

Seattle and Minnesota tip off at 10:00 p.m. ET. Catch the game locally or over the WNBA League Pass stream.