Tina Charles Passes Tina Thompson For Second On WNBA Scoring Checklist

Atlanta Dream middle Tina Charles handed WNBA Corridor of Famer Tina Thompson (7,488 factors) for second on the league’s all-time scoring checklist and now has 7,491 factors throughout her 13-year profession. Charles, who turns 36 on Dec. 5, now solely trails Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (10,500 factors).

Charles initially thought her WNBA profession was over after she didn’t play within the league final season. She final performed for Phoenix and the Seattle Storm within the 2022 season earlier than signing a cope with the Dream on Feb. 1, 2024.

In Atlanta’s 72-63 win over Phoenix on Wednesday night time in School Park, Georgia, she recorded 12 factors and 17 rebounds in 33 minutes of motion. It was the Dream’s third straight victory because the Olympic break.

WNBA All-Time Scoring Checklist

“Only a complete bunch of gratitude,” Tina Charles stated about shifting up the WNBA’s all-time scoring checklist. “Simply the place I used to be final yr, and simply the place I’m immediately. … I believed I used to be finished taking part in final yr. So for me to be right here proper now’s simply actually particular.”

Taurasi, who was held to only three factors on Wednesday, has amassed 10,500 factors throughout 20 WNBA seasons. Each are former UConn stars who have been USA Basketball teammates in three Olympics and performed collectively briefly as WNBA teammates with the Mercury in 2022.

“To be on the courtroom with Diana, to be in the identical sentence — it’s simply unimaginable,” Charles stated.

Tina Charles has 184 profession double-doubles, second most in WNBA historical past and 10 shy of Sylvia Fowles’ file of 193

Moreover, Charles additionally now has 184 profession double-doubles, second most in WNBA historical past and 10 shy of breaking retired middle Sylvia Fowles’ file of 193. Charles’ 3,876 rebounds are additionally second to Fowles’ file of 4,006.

Charles was chosen No. 1 general by the Connecticut Solar within the 2010 draft. She was named league MVP in 2012 with the Solar after averaging 18 factors, 10.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 33.2 minutes per recreation.

She reached these milestones regardless of not taking part in in 2020, citing medical exemption through the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2023. The 6-foot-4 Charles led the WNBA in factors in 2016 (688), 2017 (671), and 2021 (631).

Tina Charles’ profession has been nothing wanting legendary 🌟

Congratulations to the vet on changing into the W’s No. 2 All-Time Main Scorer final night time! pic.twitter.com/EgRytSHU5b

— WNBA (@WNBA) August 22, 2024

When requested how she may have a good time, Tina Charles shrugged and stated, “I don’t.” Wright then jumped in, including: “She’s positively going to have a beer tonight. She’s going residence and having a beer, sitting on her hammock and listening to some Caribbean music.”

Charles agreed. “Yeah, that’s a truth,” she stated. “However … I believe once I’m really finished [playing], you’re taking it in otherwise. I’m simply grateful to be round a fantastic group of ladies.

“To see the expansion of Allisha Grey, to be alongside Rhyne Howard, to have an effect on them. I believe that’s simply what means essentially the most to me proper now in my profession.”

By means of 418 profession WNBA regular-season video games (410 begins), Charles has averaged 17.9 factors, 9.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 block, and 31.9 minutes per contest whereas capturing 45.1% from the ground, 32.5% from 3-point vary, and 77.4% on the free throw line.

In different information, Chicago Sky rookie ahead Angel Reese lately made historical past by changing into the quickest WNBA participant to succeed in 20 double-doubles. She can also be releasing a “Reese’s Items” attire assortment after signing an endorsement cope with The Hershey Firm.