The Atlanta Dream defeated the Chicago Sky 89-80 Saturday, improving their season record to 5-4. The game was highlighted by a standout performance from Tina Charles, who not only led all scorers with 22 points but also provided invaluable mentorship to Sky forward Angel Reese.
After the game, Charles shared her thoughts on Reese’s potential, stating, “I just tried to tell (Reese) to settle down when she’s on the post. She’s an elite player. She’s going to be an elite player,” as reported by Horace Shivers of Peachtree Hoops.
Charles’s words come from a place of experience and recognition of talent. The veteran center, who also grabbed seven rebounds and recorded three steals, knows what it takes to excel in the WNBA. Her guidance to Reese reflects a respect for the young player’s abilities and a belief in her future dominance in the league.
The Dream started the game with a strong 9-0 run, which expanded into a 25-6 lead, largely driven by Charles’s efforts and an aggressive team defense. Atlanta finished the first half shooting 50% from the field, 44.4% from three-point range and 100% from the free-throw line, marking their highest-scoring half of the season.
“From the first person to the last person, I thought they were comfortable. We moved the ball really well, especially in that first half, and the ball found the right opportunities. And our pace was much better,” Dream coach Tanisha Wright said.
Charles’s performance was not just about scoring. She passed Yolanda Griffith for fourth place on the all-time offensive rebounds list with 1,050, and she is now just 13 rebounds away from entering the top three. Additionally, this game marked her 275th time scoring 15 or more points, placing her second all-time, just behind Tamika Catchings.
The dynamic between Charles and Reese was a focal point throughout the game. Despite Chicago’s efforts to stage a comeback, Reese found herself learning valuable lessons on the court.
