Tina Charles Soars to Second on WNBA All-Time Scoring List, Cementing Her Legacy

In a thrilling moment that reverberated throughout the WNBA, Tina Charles has officially moved into second place on the league's all-time scoring list, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest players in basketball history. The Atlanta Dream forward accomplished this remarkable feat in a game against the Phoenix Mercury, where she tied and then surpassed the legendary Tina Thompson. Charles matched Thompson's long-standing record with a three-pointer in the third quarter, bringing her career total to 7,488 points. Just moments later, she claimed the second spot outright, sinking another three-pointer on the Dream's opening possession of the fourth quarter, raising her score to 7,491 points. The moment was celebrated on the court, with the game pausing to honor Charles as she etched her name alongside the sport's greats. Competing against the Mercury on this historic night was none other than Diana Taurasi, the WNBA's all-time leading scorer. With an impressive 10,500 points to her name, Taurasi has long held the record, and her presence added significance to Charles' achievement. "To hear my name in the (same) sentence as Diana is unimaginable," Charles remarked after the game, expressing her gratitude and admiration for the WNBA GOAT. The accolades for Charles are numerous. An eight-time All-Star and nine-time All-WNBA selection, she was also named the league's MVP in 2012. Additionally, Charles holds the title of second-leading rebounder in WNBA history, underscoring her all-around dominance on the court. A former national champion from the University of Connecticut, Charles entered the WNBA as the first overall pick in the 2010 draft, winning Rookie of the Year honors. Over the years, she has not only excelled in domestic play but also made a significant impact on the international stage, earning three Olympic gold medals and three world championships from 2010 to 2021. Despite her stellar career, the past few seasons have not been without challenges. A brief period with the Phoenix Mercury in 2022 ended in an unexpected contract divorce, leaving Charles without a team for the remainder of the season. However, the arrival of the Dream in 2024 provided her with a fresh start—one that she has embraced wholeheartedly. At 35 years old, Charles has rejuvenated her game, averaging 14.0 points and 8.4 rebounds, and has played a pivotal role in Atlanta's playoff push. Her leadership and mentorship have not gone unnoticed, with younger players around the league, such as Cameron Brink and Angel Reese, praising her for her approachability and willingness to share wisdom during games. While the one accolade that still eludes her is a WNBA championship, Charles has forged a path that allows her to define her legacy on her own terms. She continues to impact the game not just through her scoring, but also through her philanthropy. Charles has dedicated her WNBA earnings to the Hopey's Heart Foundation, which provides life-saving defibrillators to schools and community centers. As she continues to add to her impressive resume, one thing is clear: Tina Charles has etched her name in the annals of WNBA history, securing her place as a legend in the sport and a role model for future generations.