NEW YORK — Tina Charles stands alone atop the WNBA record book for career rebounds and double-doubles.
Charles passed Sylvia Fowles for both league records on Thursday night in a 78-67 win over the New York Liberty that clinched a postseason spot for the Atlanta Dream.
“I can’t take this moment without mentioning Sylvia Fowles and what she’s meant to my career,” Charles said. “The heights she reached. The great person she is. It’s pretty special, full circle for me.”
Charles needed three rebounds coming into the game and got them quickly in the first quarter. She broke Fowles’ rebound mark of 4,006 on an offensive tap out that eventually led to a basket 3:08 into the game. Charles, who played six seasons for New York, later broke a tie with Fowles for the most career double-doubles when she got her 194th early in the third quarter.
“It’s special that she was able to do it here in front of her fans, friends,” Atlanta coach Tanisha Wright said. “Tina had great years here. Even though it wasn’t in Brooklyn, it was in the Garden — best place to play. … Befitting that she got to break that record here in front of friends and family.”
Charles finished the game with 10 points and 10 rebounds and now has 4,014 boards in her career.
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