Tina Charles became the second-all-time leading scorer in WNBA history after posting 12 points and 17 rebounds, and the Atlanta Dream defeated the Phoenix Mercury 72-63 on Wednesday night.
Allisha Gray had 21 points and Rhyne Howard had 19 as the Dream (10-17) notched its season-high third straight victory. Charles, the No. 1 pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft, opened the fourth-quarter scoring with a 3-pointer from the top of the key that moved her past Tina Thompson’s 7,488 points.
She’s still more than 3,000 points away from WNBA-leading scorer Diana Taurasi. As for the Mercury (15–14), they lost the rebound battle 47–33, as Kahleah Copper led the way with 22 points and Brittney Griner had 14.
In Minnesota, the Lynx scorched the defending champions for the second time during this WNBA season, with Napheesa Collier leading the pack with 23 points. Courtney Williams added a season-high 22 and the Minnesota Lynx raced past the Las Vegas Aces 98-87 on Wednesday night.
Bridget Carleton added 12 points, Kayla McBride had 11, and Alanna Smith had 10, giving the Lynx (20-8) as Lynx’s five starters finished on double-digits. Minnesota finished the half 20 of 31 to take a 54-46 lead at the break and keep the momentum on their side until the end.
Jackie Young had 26 points, hitting 6 of 8 from behind the arc, and Kelsey Plum had 20 for Las Vegas (17-10).
WNBA results from Wednesday (21/8)
Phoenix Mercury (15-14) vs Atlanta Dream (10-17) 63-72
Minnesota Lynx (20-8) vs Las Vegas Aces (17-10) 98-87
