NEW YORK — Tina Charles had a record-breaking night to lead the Atlanta Dream into the WNBA playoffs with a 78-67 victory over the New York Liberty on Thursday night.
Charles finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds, breaking the league records for both rebounds and double-doubles.
Atlanta came into the game knowing it could clinch a playoff spot with a win, while the Liberty (32-8) had nothing to play for, having already clinched the top spot. The two teams will meet again Sunday in the first round of the postseason in New York.
Charles broke Sylvia Fowles' rebounding record of 4,006 just minutes into the game, getting an offensive touch that eventually led to a basket. She needed three rebounds before the game to break the record and now has 4,014 for her career.
In the third quarter, Charles broke another of Fowles' league records when he grabbed his 10th rebound to complete his 194th career double-double.
Charles, 35, of New York, was honored before the game by being inducted into the city's Basketball Hall of Fame along with nine other former players and coaches. Her Dream Team teammates were on the court cheering her on when she was announced. The Liberty also honored Charles at the end of the first quarter with a video tribute.
Charles, a 14-year veteran, is the only WNBA player with 7,000 career points and 4,000 career rebounds. She is second only to Diana Taurasi for career points.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
