Tina Charles of the Dream Sets Records for Rebounds and Double-Doubles

In an impressive display of talent and determination, Tina Charles achieved two significant milestones on Thursday night, establishing herself as a WNBA legend. During a match between the Atlanta Dream and the New York Liberty, she became the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder, surpassing Sylvia Fowles with a total of 4,007 rebounds. Additionally, she set a new record for career double-doubles, marking her 194th.

Charles entered the game needing only three rebounds to reach the historic milestone, and she wasted no time. Just 3:52 into the first quarter, she made an offensive tap out that led to a basket, allowing her to break Fowles’ long-standing rebounding record. The atmosphere in the arena was charged as fans celebrated her achievement.

The determination didn’t stop there. Charles notched her record-breaking double-double by securing her 10th rebound with 5:04 remaining in the third quarter. After reaching these impressive personal achievements, she sat out the fourth quarter, finishing the game with a solid performance of 10 points and 10 rebounds in the Dream’s victorious 78-67 win.

At 35 years old, Charles has had an illustrious career. Starting out in Connecticut, she moved to New York before the 2014 season. The Liberty honored her with a heartfelt video tribute at the end of the first quarter, prompting her to wave and acknowledge the supportive crowd.

Throughout her career, Charles has also played for the Washington Mystics, Phoenix Mercury, and Seattle Storm, before joining the Atlanta Dream this year after a season off. Her consistent performance has contributed to an impressive career average of 9.3 rebounds over her 14-year tenure in the league.

A proud New York native, Charles was further honored before the game by being inducted into the city’s Basketball Hall of Fame, a recognition she received alongside nine other distinguished former players and coaches. Her teammates from the Dream were on the court, cheering her on as her accomplishments were recognized.

Notably, Charles is the only player in WNBA history to have achieved both 7,000 points and 4,000 rebounds throughout her career, solidifying her status as one of the greatest players in the league’s history. She currently ranks second on the all-time scoring list, trailing only the legendary Diana Taurasi.

The night marked a momentous occasion, not only for Charles but for the entire WNBA community as they celebrated the remarkable career of one of the league’s elite players and her contributions to women’s basketball.