After not playing in the WNBA last season, Tina Charles found herself questioning if her basketball career was coming to an end. However, this year she made a remarkable comeback, and recently she achieved a significant milestone by moving into second place on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list behind Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury. Charles’ outstanding performance of 12 points and 17 rebounds led the Atlanta Dream to a victorious game against the Phoenix Mercury with a score of 72-63 in College Park, Georgia, marking their third consecutive win after the Olympic break. Charles expressed her gratitude for her current position on the scoring list, attributing it to her unwavering faith and the encouragement from her teammates at the Dream. She shared that the journey from uncertainty about her career last year to her current success is truly special to her.
Tina Charles surpassed the legendary Tina Thompson’s career scoring record of 7,488 points to secure the second spot on the all-time list with a total of 7,491 points accumulated over her 13 WNBA seasons. In comparison, Diana Taurasi, with 10,500 points from her two-decade WNBA career, stands as the leading scorer. It is noteworthy that both Charles and Taurasi, former UConn standouts and USA Basketball teammates, formed a formidable duo in the 2022 WNBA season playing for the Mercury. Charles now holds the second position in career double-doubles with 184, trailing Sylvia Fowles by only 10, who holds the WNBA record of 193 double-doubles. Additionally, Charles’ 3,876 rebounds place her second after Fowles, who boasts a record of 4,006 rebounds. Despite missing out on playing in 2020 and the anticipated 2023 season, Charles managed to achieve these remarkable milestones.
Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, Tina Charles’ return to the WNBA with the Atlanta Dream has been nothing short of impactful. The Dream, led by Charles along with a healthy roster including Olympic bronze medalist Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada, have managed to turn around their season, currently standing at a 10-17 record, trailing the Chicago Sky by just a game for a playoff spot. Dream coach Tanisha Wright, a former teammate of Charles, and general manager Dan Padover recognized Charles’ value as a player and signed her as a free agent earlier this year. Charles emphasized the importance of consistency in performance for a successful team and acknowledged the collective effort of the Dream in their recent victories.
When asked about her plans to celebrate her milestone achievement, Tina Charles humbly remarked that she prefers not to celebrate excessively. However, her teammates, including Tanisha Wright, jokingly mentioned that Charles might enjoy a well-deserved beer while relaxing on her hammock and listening to Caribbean music. Charles acknowledged the camaraderie and growth she has witnessed within the Dream team, highlighting the development of players like Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard. She expressed her gratitude for being surrounded by talented and supportive teammates and looks forward to continuing her journey in the WNBA.
Tina Charles’ remarkable performance and milestone achievements exemplify her resilience and dedication to the game of basketball. Her return to the league has not only showcased her individual talent but has also uplifted the Atlanta Dream as a team, setting them on a path towards postseason success.
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