Storm’s Bird breaks WNBA all-time assist record

  • Associated Press
  • Friday, September 1, 2017 6:21pm
  • SportsStorm

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Sue Bird broke the WNBA’s all-time assists record Friday night, passing Ticha Penicheiro with her 2,600th career assist.

Bird moved ahead of Penicheiro in the first quarter on a pass to Carolyn Swords who was cutting through the lane for the basket. It was the Seattle Storm guard’s third assist of the game. After she broke the mark, the game was stopped and Bird was given the ball and received a nice ovation from the Mystics fans.

She accomplished the feat in 477 career games. Bird is averaging 6.4 assists per game this season, third-best in the league behind Courtney Vandersloot and Layshia Clarendon.

Bird has played her entire 16-year career with the Storm after getting drafted by the team in 2002 with the No. 1 pick. Her first assist came on May 30, 2002, when she dished to Adia Barnes for a 3-pointer.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Miami Hurricanes tight end Elijah Arroyo (8) on a long pass reception against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half of an ACC conference football game at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, September 27, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Al Diaz / Tribune New Services)
Elijah Arroyo shows as ‘big target’ for Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks wrapped up their rookie minicamp on… Continue reading

Edmonds-Woodway’s Ella Campbell dives to make a catch during the game against Archbishop Murphy on Monday, May 5, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds-Woodway, Archbishop Murphy softball prepare for districts

The Warriors beat the Wildcats 11-6 on Monday to lock up the Wesco South 3A/2A title.

Everett AquaSox outfielder Lazaro Montes fields a ball during the Opening Day game against the Hillsboro Hops on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
AquaSox Week in Review: Everett splits week in Eugene

Everett wins three straight after dropping the first three against the Emeralds.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for April 27-May 3

The Athlete of the Week nominees for April 27-May 3. Voting closes… Continue reading

Prep softball roundup for Monday, May 5

Stanwood’s Addi Anderson throws 1-hit shutout against Everett.

Prep roundup for Monday, May 5

Jackson sweeps singles matches, beats Kamiak.

Edmonds-Woodway senior Ella Campbell winds up to deliver a pitch against Archbishop Murphy in the Warriors' 9-2 win in Edmonds, Washington on April 16, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Weekend prep softball roundup for May 2-3

E-W’s Ella Campbell shuts out Shorewood.

Glacier Peak’s Otto Nicholson takes a shot on goal during the game against Jackson on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Weekend prep roundup for May 2-3

GP soccer knocks off league champs.

Jackson senior Derek Sundstrom delivers a pitch in the Timberwolves' 8-3 win against Kamiak in Mukilteo, Washington on May 2, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Jackson baseball tops Kamiak for second time in three days

The Timberwolves gain confidence with postseason approaching.

Lake Stevens shortstop Aspen Alexander fields a high chopper behind second base during a playoff loss to Bothell on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Weekend prep baseball roundup for May 2-3

Warriors win third straight league title, Vikings roll.

Weekend prep tennis roundup for May 2-3

Snohomish wins two in Yakima.

Stanwood’s Addi Anderson yells after getting the final out in the game to beat Monroe on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Anderson powers Stanwood softball to extra innings win against Monroe

The sophomore strikes out 11 and sparks a 10th-inning rally; Stulc hits a 2-run shot in the 4-1 win.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.