Tina Charles and the Atlanta Dream secured a spot in the postseason with a 78-67 victory against the New York Liberty. The win granted them the eighth seed, setting up a playoff matchup against the same opponent on Sunday in New York, followed by a game on Tuesday.

“We came here with our bags packed,” Charles expressed after the game, stating their confidence in taking care of business.

Charles played a pivotal role in the victory, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds, setting new records in career rebounds and double-doubles in the league. Rhyne Howard and Naz Hillmon contributed 13 points each to boost the Dream to victory.

Knowing that a win would secure their playoff berth, the Dream came out strong, establishing an early lead over the Liberty. Despite the Liberty already securing the No. 1 seed, coach Sandy Brondello emphasized the importance of finishing the regular season strong.

During the game, Charles broke Sylvia Fowles’ rebound record and achieved her 194th career double-double, solidifying her impact on the court. While the Liberty attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, they fell short of overcoming the Dream’s lead.

Before the game, Charles, a native of New York, was honored as she was inducted into the city’s Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing her remarkable achievements in the sport. Her teammates showed their support by cheering her induction announcement.

Charles stands out as the only WNBA player to reach 7,000 points and 4,000 rebounds in her career, ranking second on the career scoring list behind Diana Taurasi.