Storm G Bird has hip surgery

Seattle, WA – Seattle Storm point guard Sue Bird underwent successful surgery Friday to repair the labrum in her left hip.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Marc J. Philippon at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo., where Bird remains resting comfortably, the team said.

After a weekend stay at the clinic, Bird -- the Storm's leading scorer and playmaker this year with 12.2 points and 5.3 assists per game -- will immediately begin rehabilitation and will be out of action between 8-12 weeks.

"We're excited as an organization that Sue came through her surgery successfully," said Storm head coach and general manager Brian Agler. "Dr. Philippon said she must have been very courageous to have played through the injury. He is very optimistic the surgery went well. We look forward to seeing Sue at full health next season."

In September 2011, Bird, a 10-year pro out of Connecticut, had the same surgery performed on her right hip and made a full recovery. She was ready in time to play in Russia for UMMC Ekaterinburg in January.

The Storm were eliminated during the Western Conference Semifinals on Tuesday, falling 73-72 in Game 3 to the Minnesota Lynx. For the series, Bird averaged 16.3 points and 7.0 assists per game.