SEATTLE, Aug. 9 (Ticker) -- A fantastic year for rookie Sue Bird may be headed to a familiar place for her -- the postseason.

NBA TV highlights from Fire-Storm: 56k | 300k

Bird poured in a team-record 33 points as the Seattle Storm kept alive their playoff hopes with an 83-74 victory over the Portland Fire on Friday.

Seattle (16-14) moved one-half game ahead of Portland (16-15) in the race for the fourth and final Western Conference playoff spot and can reach the postseason with a victory in one of its final two games.

The Fire, who squandered a chance to clinch the spot, must win its final game and hope the Storm lose twice.

Bird made 10-of-18 shots, including three 3-pointers. A leading candidate for Rookie of the Year honors, Bird led Connecticut to two national titles in college, including an undefeated season this past year.

Bird put Seattle ahead for good, 67-65, by making a pair of free throws with 8:37 remaining. The Fire were still within two after Tully Bevilaqua made a 3-pointer with just over three minutes to go.

Bird responded with a three-point play and two free throws sandwiched around an assist on Simone Edwards' basket. Bird broke Semeka Randall's previous team record of 28 points set on June 12, 2001 against Orlando.

Lauren Jackson added 23 points and tied a career high with 13 rebounds for Seattle, which made 22-of-30 foul shots. Bird and Amanda Lassiter combined for 13 assists.

Jackie Stiles scored 18 points and fellow reserve Tamicha Jackson added 16 for Portland. The Fire were outrebounded 48-30 and their starters combined for just 27 points.