Tina Charles has etched her name in the annals of WNBA history, securing the second spot on the all-time leading scoring list.
On August 21, Charles reached 7,491 career points as the Atlanta Dream took on the Phoenix Mercury at Gateway Center Arena.
The veteran center entered this game needing just 10 points to pass Tina Thompson on the all-time leading scorer list. With 9:40 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, Charles hit a three-pointer, igniting a celebratory uproar that reverberated throughout the arena.
Charles’ historic moment sent the arena into a celebratory uproar
The game was briefly halted, allowing Charles and her teammates to take in the moment. There was even a beautiful hug between her and Diana Taurasi, the all-time leading scorer.
She also had a double-double (12 points, 17 rebounds) in the Dream’s 72-63 win. This victory adds to the team’s thrilling winning streak, now at three games since the season resumed after the Olympic break.
At a time when the WNBA is gaining more attention than ever, Charles said she’s simply grateful for making history.
“Just to hear my name in the same sentence as Diana (Taurasi) is unimaginable..God gets the glory; I’m very thankful,” Charles humbly expressed in a post-game interview broadcast on X (formerly Twitter).
Tina Charles Historic Rookie Year
The New York native embarked on a remarkable journey when the Connecticut Sun drafted her first overall in 2010—her rookie year earned her the WNBA Rookie of the Year award, a spot on the All-WNBA Second Team, and the title of Big East Player of the Year, among other honors.
This year, Charles joined the esteemed ranks of the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Inductees, adding to her list of accolades.
Atlanta is pushing to make the playoffs, following closely behind the Chicago Sky, which is fourth in the East.
Photo credit: @WNBA on X
