Dream leaning on veteran Tina Charles to help fill scoring void left by Rhyne Howard's injury

Atlanta Dream center Tina Charles plays against the Los Angeles Sparks during a WNBA basketball game, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Long Beach, Calif. Atlanta Dream veteran center Tina Charles, the 2012 WNBA MVP, is closing in on the No. 3 spot on the league's all-time scoring list as she tries to protect the team's playoff spot while Rhyne Howard is out indefinitely with an ankle injury. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis, File)

Top scorer Rhyne Howard is out indefinitely with an ankle injury, making it more important for veteran Tina Charles to add punch to the Atlanta Dream’s low-scoring attack as they attempt to remain in the WNBA playoff picture.

Coach Tanisha Wright and the Dream are leaning on experienced leadership from Charles, a former MVP who is on the cusp of moving into the top three of the league’s all-time scoring list.

The Dream (6-9), who play Friday at Connecticut, have lost three straight games and five of six. Atlanta ranks last in the WNBA in points (75.9 per game), field-goal percentage and assists.