Seattle Storm center Tina Charles became the fourth player in WNBA history to reach 7,000 career points following an electric performance in last night’s 82-72 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Charles dropped 27 points and had 15 rebounds in the win.
Charles joined Tina Thompson, Tamika Catchings and Diana Taurasi as the only players to ever score 7,000 points.
“The milestone is something I’ll probably reflect back on when I’m retired,” Charles told reporters after the game. “Just trying to get these wins and knowing how important each and every single game is.”
The eight-time All-Star and 2012 WNBA MVP achieved the feat in just her second start with the Storm after agreeing to a buyout with the Phoenix Mercury in June. After never coming off the bench during her 12-year career, Charles came off the bench in her first eight games with Seattle before being inserted into the starting lineup this month.
Charles says she thought about the possibility of reaching 7,000 points while she was playing for the Mercury but was still surprised to learn she hit the legendary mark during Sunday’s game.
“I did during my time in Phoenix,” Charles said. “I’m not saying before this game but during my time in Phoenix and when I moved up, I knew it could happen during the course of this season. I just didn’t know what was going on.”
Charles, who is averaging 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game this season, is now the W’s all-time second-leading rebounder and fourth all-time in scoring.
