"Think Happy" by Seattlest Flickr contributor Timwillis

Sue Bird is on a mission. With WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson nursing a bad ankle, Bird scored 13 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Seattle Storm to a 70-62 win over the Chicago Sky. The win seals a playoff spot for the fifth year in a row.

Bird says she hasn't consciously changed her style of play. But Storm coach Brian Agler's urging may be having an effect on Bird's performance. Bird said after the game:

There's no doubt that if you can have a microphone on Brian and you were playing a drinking game and you drank every time he said, "Sue, keep the ball in your hands," you'd be wasted by the time the game was over. He's constantly telling me "keep the ball in your hands" every time I pass--"keep the ball in your hands."

Sure, get your points, Sue. But don't forget to move the rock around every now and then. That way, we all win.

Playoff tickets go on sale after Saturday evening's home game with the Minnesota Lynx.