In the early stages of the fourth quarter during the Atlanta Dream’s game against the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday, Aug. 21, Allisha Gray missed a layup which was then rebounded by Lorela Cubaj. Cubaj passed the ball out to Tina Charles at the top of the arc, where the 13-year veteran, who has played 439 career games, caught the pass, paused, and made a 3-point shot.
This 3-pointer not only gave the Dream a three-point lead, which they maintained to defeat the Mercury 72-63 for their third consecutive win, but also moved Tina Charles to the second spot on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list, surpassing Tina Thompson. Diana Taurasi, the player at the top of the list, was on the court during this historic moment, and the two players shared a hug during the timeout called to honor Charles’ achievement.
Charles, who ended the game with a double-double of 12 points and 17 rebounds, expressed her feelings about reaching this milestone by saying, “Just where I was last year, and just where I am today… I thought I was done playing last year. So for me to be here right now is just really special.” Charles’ double-double was her 184th, the second-most in WNBA history behind Sylvia Fowles’ 193. She also ranks second to Fowles in career rebounds, with 3,876 compared to 4,006.
Charles also emphasized her impact on the game beyond statistical achievements, stating, “But… I think when I’m actually done [playing], you take it in differently. I’m just thankful to be around a great group of women. To see the growth of Allisha Gray, to be alongside Rhyne Howard, to have an impact on them. I think that’s just what means the most to me right now in my career.”
Currently, Charles is making a significant impact on the Dream team, which has shown renewed purpose after the Olympic break. Atlanta secured three consecutive wins against strong opponents like the Seattle Storm, Connecticut Sun, and Mercury. Charles played a vital role in these wins, outscoring their opponents by 45 points when she was on the court over the three-game streak. She grabbed a season-high of 17 rebounds against the Mercury.
Charles’ overall performance reflects the intentional approach that Atlanta has adopted. The team is delivering consistent 40-minute performances and overcoming challenges. While players like Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray have faced difficulties in scoring throughout these games, they have still contributed positively to the team’s victories. Jordin Canada has also been a key player for the Dream, showcasing great offensive organization and defensive aggressiveness.
Little things also add up to the Dream’s success, with players like Naz Hillmon making valuable contributions on both ends of the court. Hillmon has played extended minutes in recent games, showcasing relentless rebounding and an increased willingness to shoot. Her efforts, along with the collective teamwork of the Dream, have led to improved performance and positive results.
Now, the question remains whether Atlanta can maintain this positive momentum and secure the final playoff spot. They are currently one game behind the Chicago Sky and face upcoming games against the Mercury and Indiana Fever before a challenging West Coast road trip.
