Tag: Tina Charles

Tina Charles’ Dream teammate refused to let her dismiss her WNBA record-breaking night

Naz Hillmon refused to let Tina Charles deflect credit for breaking two WNBA all-time records in one night.

Tina Charles isn’t one to brag or even credit herself for any of the records that she’s broken. That’s why Charles’ teammate, Naz Hillmon, was happy to do it for her.

Charles is one of the most prolific players women’s basketball has ever seen. Her resume is littered with accomplishments, including being the WNBA’s second all-time leading scorer. On Thursday, she added two more accolades: the most rebounds and double-doubles in WNBA history.

But you’ll probably never hear Charles acknowledge how great she is. She usually credits those around her, her relationship with God, coaches and other WNBA greats. So, since she refused to do it, Naz Hillmon stepped in to ensure Tina got her flowers now. Here’s part of what Naz recently told the media (See the clip below and the 7:44 mark of the YouTube video.):

“You have to celebrate people while they’re around. I’m so thankful to have Tina on our team as a player, as a teammate. But also as a friend — just because I just feel like she means so much to this team. She means so much to this league.”

“She’s breaking records — it feels like every night…because this is what she does. It’s so funny that every time she does something spectacular, she’s like, ‘This is what I’m supposed to do. This is my job.’ But everybody doesn’t get to do what she does at their job…”

“As much as she doesn’t want her flowers, you’re always gonna know who Tina is…But it’s just been amazing to learn from her, her greatness…it doesn’t happen by mistake. It doesn’t happen overnight…I’m excited to go into playoffs with her. She’s probably going to break like three more records…”

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Tina Charles’ Dream teammate perfectly trolled her with ‘grandma’ TikTok video after OT win

“Grandma not mad. Grandma just hurt.”

WNBA long-time veteran Tina Charles was brilliantly trolled by one of her Atlanta Dream teammates, and I cannot stop giggling.

Tina Charles is second all-time in WNBA scoring, which means she’s been in the league for several years — 13 seasons, to be exact. So, some might call her an “O.G.”  or “seasoned.” But what about a “grandma?” That happened when Charles’ teammate Laeticia Amihere shared a video to TikTok after Atlanta won an intense overtime battle on Sunday with the Washington Mystics.

In the clip, Charles has ice bags on a shoulder, both knees AND an ankle. There are no words exchanged, only the audio of another video that says, “Grandma not mad. Grandma just hurt. I’m hurt. I am hurt. I am hurt. I am hurting.” Excuse me while I laugh uncontrollably. This is TOO GOOD.

@laeticiaamihere

My poor grandma 👵🏾 #fyp #shesoldasf #og

♬ original sound – Lena CM Lattimore

https://twitter.com/nasgioia/status/1835462053651169590

Of course, I am not the only one laughing. It seems Aliyah Boston, Angel Reese, the Sparks’ Azura Stevens and so many other hoops fans thought it was hysterical, too.

Here’s what they said:

https://twitter.com/southernBlu_Bel/status/1835467167233699945

https://twitter.com/FloIsThaName/status/1835519089072365602

https://twitter.com/JaMuzik/status/1835480830300271022

https://twitter.com/xmonielove/status/1835483790593970236

https://twitter.com/jalaciaaa/status/1835470914709782976

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Tina Charles shared a cool moment with Diana Taurasi before making WNBA history as its 2nd all-time leading scorer

What a great night for Tina Charles and the WNBA.

WNBA legend Tina Charles made league history on Wednesday night in the Atlanta Dream’s home game against the Phoenix Mercury.

With a 3-pointer, Charles passed Tina Thompson on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list to earn the second spot.

The former WNBA MVP is now only behind Mercury legend Diana Taurasi on the league’s all-time scoring list, which is an absolutely stellar feat for the Dream center.

In fact, the fellow UConn alumni and good friends shared an awesome moment with each other before Charles achieved her fantastic scoring mark.

What a great moment this is for WNBA history, as Charles further solidified her legacy and will now stand right next to Taurasi in the WNBA hall of history.

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Tina Charles coached up Kamilla Cardoso mid-game and hoops fans loved her classy gesture

What a super classy gesture from Tina Charles.

Atlanta Dream center Tina Charles coaching up Chicago Sky rookie Kamilla Cardoso mid-game is incredibly wholesome.

Tina Charles is a future Hall of Famer, and it’s really dope to see her take time to give advice to several rookies this season. Cameron Brink joked about how she was grateful for Tina Charles encouraging her before proceeding to drop buckets.

Charles also advised Angel Reese after a game in June about settling down in the post. On Tuesday, it was more of the same, as Charles was coaching Kamila Cardoso mid-game on avoiding having her shot blocked after Tina stuffed an attempt during the start of their matchup.

Fans absolutely loved Charles’ classy gesture. Here’s what they shared on social media:

(Feature image courtesy of CBS Sports.)

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A’ja Wilson set WNBA records in Aces’ dominating win over Lynx

A’ja Wilson produced 29 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Aces to a dominating over the Lynx on Wednesday.

The Las Vegas Aces dominated the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday, winning 80-66. A’ja Wilson recorded her fifth consecutive 20-point, 10-rebound game with 29 points and 15 rebounds, breaking the WNBA record for the longest streak in history.

The previous record of four straight such performances was held twice by Sylvia Fowles and once by Tina Charles and Glory Johnson, respectively. This was Wilson’s 81st career double-double, which ranks fourth among active players.

Wilson not only played offensively, but her defensive performance was also notable, setting rebounding and blocking records. Wilson finished the game with 15 rebounds, which means she has 10 or more rebounds in five straight games, the longest active streak in the league. WNBA legend Candace Parker is the only player with more consecutive double-digit rebound performances, with 12. Additionally, Wilson has blocked at least one shot in 14 straight games, the longest active streak in the WNBA.

The Aces’ next game is on the road on May 31 against the Atlanta Dream.

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Hannah Hidalgo is USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year

Congrats, Hannah!

[autotag]Hannah Hidalgo[/autotag] only has played college basketball for a month, but the Notre Dame freshman phenom already is making an impact. She’s the nation’s leader in steals (6.0 a game) and one of its top scorers (23.6 points a game). But that doesn’t begin to describe what she’s done overall this year.

Hidalgo has won the prestigious USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year award for how well she did in international play this season. During the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, she averaged 10.7 points and 5.4 assists a game to help the U.S. win the gold medal. Joni Taylor, her coach from that tournament, said it best:

“Hannah Hidalgo is a name you will not forget.”

In winning this award, Hidalgo is joining elite company in more ways than one. She is only the fourth player to win it before beginning her collegiate career, joining Paige Bueckers, Brianna Stewart and Janelle Bailey.

Many women’s basketball legends, some of which remain active and others are enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame, have won this award since it was first given out in 1980. These include Diana Taurasi, Teresa Edwards, Lisa Leslie, Dawn Staley, Cheryl Miller, Katrina McClain, A’ja Wilson, Maya Moore, Tina Charles, Katie Smith, Natalie Williams, Ruthie Bolton, Chamique Holdsclaw, Seimone Augustus and Lynette Woodard.

If that list is any indication, Hidalgo is on her way to becoming not only an Irish legend but a legend of the sport. It probably wouldn’t surprise her either because she indicated such when Fighting Irish Wire asked her about it after the Irish’s win over Lafayette:

“No, I’m not surprised at all. I think I know what God has blessed me with, and so, it’s a lot easier when I have teammates like the ones that I do. That makes the game just so much easier.”

Here’s to the latest of what should be many more honors for someone who’s just getting started.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

2022 WNBA season MVP futures: favorites, sleepers and predictions

Who do you have winning the MVP?

The countdown to opening night of WNBA’s 26th season has officially reached single digits. Training camps are well-underway, preseason games are happening and rosters are being trimmed to their regular-season form in preparation for the W’s May 6th start.

And while the fringe roster players are sweating out the days of training camp, wondering what their futures as WNBA players hold, the established players and team leaders are gearing up for what they hope will be a magical season. There are a select few who have the power to make that happen, we call those MVP candidates.

We take a look at the elite players’ odds to win the MVP award, while also pinpointing the sleepers and longshots.

Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics match up, with WNBA betting odds, picks and best bets.

The Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics get their WNBA regular season underway Saturday at 5 p.m. ET at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., in the league’s bubble site, or “Wubble” – which the players have been calling it. We analyze the Fever-Mystics WNBA betting odds and lines, with betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Mystics embark on defense of their crown, and the WNBA champs can partially thank the Fever for their recent success. Winning the Eastern Conference by three games last season, Washington can point to its 3-0 straight-up record vs. Indiana, while going 1-1-1 against the spread (ATS) in those contests.

Fever vs. Mystics: By the Numbers

  • Since the start of the 2017 WNBA regular season the Mystics have rattled off 10 consecutive victories over the Fever, going 6-3-1 ATS. The average margin of victory in last season’s three-game regular season sweep was 19.7 points per game, even with one battle decided in overtime.
  • Seven of the past eight in this series have ended up going Over, and Washington has scored 82 or more points in seven of those outings. The Mystics averaged a gaudy 97.7 PPG in the three meetings in 2019.
  • The Mystics (+250) are listed as the favorites to repeat as WNBA champions. The Fever (+4000) are long shots to win it all – only the Atlanta Dream and Dallas Wings (+6600 each) have longer odds.

WNBA season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an WNBA bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Fever vs. Mystics: Key injuries

Fever

  • F Lauren Cox is out. She arrived Thursday evening to the bubble, and players have to quarantine in their rooms for four days after arrival.

Mystics

  • F Tina Charles was deemed a high-risk individual by the league’s independent doctors and received a medical waiver, opting out for the season.
  • C Elena Delle Donne, the 2019 MVP, has been battling the after-effects of Lyme disease for several years and did not receive a medical waiver, but she is not expected to play.
  • F LaToya Sanders also elected to opt out due to health reasons.
  • G Natasha Cloud elected to skip the 2020 season, focusing on social justice instead.

Fever vs. Mystics: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

WNBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Saturday at 10:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Mystics 87, Fever 78

Moneyline (ML)

The MYSTICS (-133) are missing some of their big guns, but they’ll still have enough to upend the Fever (+110) in the opener. The defending champs aren’t losing this one.

Against the spread (ATS)

The spread is -1.5 for WASHINGTON (-110). Perhaps this one is close at halftime and into the third quarter, but look for the Mystics to pull away from Indiana (+1.5, -110) late.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 162.5 (-120) has hit in each of the three meetings last season, and seven of the past eight in this series. Even without Charles, Cloud and Delle Donne on the floor, the Mystics have a powerful offense. They won’t erupt for the 97.7 PPG they averaged in three games against the Fever last season, but Washington will do enough for the win and an Over result.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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