Detroit Channel 4 News

Playing in All-Star Game is routine for Storm's Cash, Bird

In contrast to a cluster of 11 first-time All-Stars, Storm teammates Sue Bird and Swin Cash have become mainstays in the game.

The duo will start for the Western Conference in Saturday's game at San Antonio on Channel 4 at 12:30.

"I give a lot of credit to my teammates," said Cash, a four-time All-Star. "This season has been one of those things where we've had to go through some ups and downs, but the encouragement they constantly give me helps me keep going and do better every game. To have that leadership has really helped me."

The city of San Antonio brings back many memories for Bird and Cash, 10-year WNBA veterans. They were roommates in college at Connecticut, going undefeated in winning the 2002 NCAA championship at the Alamo Dome.

This is their fourth season together on the Storm. With three-time MVP Lauren Jackson out with a hip injury, Bird, a seven-time All-Star, and Cash are leading the Storm (8-7) in scoring.

"I was telling Sue, I saw a picture of us from our rookie year and I was like, 'Wow, it seemed like yesterday that we were meeting for the first time,' " Cash said. "We were talking about life being a pro, and 10 years later, we're here now. It goes by so fast and you don't know how much longer you're going to play, but you want to appreciate it."

Cash, a 6-foot-1 forward, was drafted No. 2 overall by Detroit, right after Bird was selected.

The Shock lost a lot in Cash's rookie season, but she eventually won two championships before being traded to Seattle. She has blossomed from being a post-up player in college to playing on the wing. She shot 40.7 percent from three-point range last season to help Seattle win the title.

During halftime of Saturday's game, the WNBA will reveal its top 15 players to commemorate the past 15 years in a vote by fans and media. Cash, Bird, Jackson and teammate Katie Smith are among the 30 nominated.

"We were always trying to beat up her and Lauren," said Cash, about playing against Bird and the Storm when Cash was with Detroit. "I told Seattle that when I got here, that we felt you just had to smack you in the mouth (to win). Now, Sue can impose her will on games when she has to, (and has) that aggressiveness to take more shots.

"I really learned how to be a leader and get other players to be with you in Detroit. Then when I came to Seattle, it was about getting healthy and getting back to myself, not only on the court but in my life. I can look back and feel happy that it wasn't lulls here and there. It was consistent growth.

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