Tina Charles Powers Sun to Blowout Win over Valkyries

John Hefti-Imagn Images

In a stunning performance Sunday afternoon, veteran center Tina Charles led the Connecticut Sun to a 95–64 rout over the Golden State Valkyries, snapping the Sun’s four-game losing streak and marking their most dominant victory of the season. Charles scored 24 points in just 19 minutes of play, adding another chapter to her Hall of Fame résumé. Charles’ performance helped the Sun (4–20) set season highs in several offensive categories, including points scored (95), field goal percentage (53%), and three-pointers made (12). Connecticut also tallied a season-best 14 steals and turned 24 Valkyries turnovers into 34 points. Alongside Charles, Bria Hartley and Marina Mabrey each contributed 15 points, while rookie Leila Lacan added six steals in her sixth career game. Guard Jacy Sheldon provided a spark off the bench with 13 points. The Sun held a 23–15 lead after the first quarter and never trailed after Saniya Rivers hit a three-pointer to open the game.

The Golden State Valkyries (11–13), an expansion team in their inaugural WNBA season, struggled mightily without All-Star Kayla Thornton, who was recently lost for the season due to a knee injury. Illana Rupert led the team with 13 points off the bench, and Veronica Burton added 10. The loss marks the Valkyries’ worst defeat in franchise history. Charles’ 24-point outing marked her 395th game scoring in double figures, placing her third all-time behind legends Diana Taurasi and Tina Thompson. It was also her 185th game scoring 20 or more points, second only to Taurasi. The Sun will look to carry this momentum into Monday’s home game against the Seattle Storm as they try to salvage a difficult season.