NFL
By: Nick Andre
The Atlanta Dream have started their season on a strong note. Truthfully, it hasn’t been a pretty beginning as they had to grind their way to two wins. However, their togetherness and ability to execute down the stretch have allowed them to come out on top in both matchups. That’s the growth of the Dream as they remain disciplined in their game plan and continue to find success.
One of the Dream’s key players is second-year player Te-Hina Paopao. During her rookie season, Paopao caught the WNBA by surprise. No, she may not have been in the race for the Rookie of the Year Award. However, she was a huge spark off the bench that helped Atlanta finish the 2025 season as the third overall seed.
Coming into the WNBA, Paopao was known as a sharpshooter who could torch opposing team defenses on the perimeter. Her shooting was a huge X-Factor in leading the South Carolina Gamecocks to a National Championship in 2024. When the 2025 WNBA Draft was underway, Dream Head Coach Karl Smesko saw potential in Paopao. Yes, her three-point shooting could be a valuable weapon for the team. However, Smesko had a plan to help Paopao maximize her game to become a complete player.
As a rookie, fans had a chance to watch Paopao take on more ball-handling opportunities. Due to the Dream’s starting point guard Jordin Canada being sidelined due to injury, she took on the role of the lead guard for her team. This situation came with huge pressure for a rookie like Paopao, who had never been in this position before. However, she embraced the opportunity and led the charge for Atlanta. Paopao averaged 5.8 points along with 2.4 assists on 44 percent shooting. She had six games with 5+ assists and scored in double figures nine times.
It was impressive to watch how Te-Hina Paopao was able to take on the point guard role. What stood out was her patience as she allowed the game to come to her. Playing next to elite players like Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Naz Hillmon, and others made things easy for Paopao. As she placed them in the right positions for success, they returned the favor, as she allowed her to shine as well. As the season progressed, Paopao quickly became a fan favorite in Atlanta due to her positive production.
Heading into her second season, the pressure was higher for Te-Hina Paopao. Not because she exceeded expectations as a rookie, but because the Dream were in a higher position as title contenders. After the WNBA reached a new CBA deal, the Dream wasted no time elevating their roster. Their big acquisition was trading for Angel Reese, as she’s known as one of the top players in the WNBA. Reese’s ability to control the paint was projected to put the Dream to another level. Her impact alongside the core players for Atlanta is expected to result in a huge season for the team.
Yes, the pressure was still on for Paopao. However, one couldn’t tell by the way she’s produced through the first two games of the season. With the Dream fully healthy at the guard position, it has allowed her to provide a spark in the second unit. Paopao has continued to do an excellent job of staying patient and finding quality shots for players. So far, she’s improved tremendously in passing in the pick and roll as well as finding players off backdoor cuts. High-percentage shots are what Coach Smesko continues to preach in his locker room. Creating them starts at the point guard position, as Paopao has played a major role in the Dream playing efficiently offensively.
Paopao is averaging 4 points along with 4 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Yes, her shooting numbers need to improve as she’s currently shooting 28 percent from the floor. However, it’s still early in the season, as Paopao still has room to grow as time progresses. The Dream have been impressive by how they have been able to close out both matchups against the Minnesota Lynx and Dallas Wings. Despite trailing in both contests, they’ve found a way to come together and outsmart their opponents with great execution down the stretch. With that being said, the Dream head into Sunday’s matchup against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces with momentum as they prepare for their home opener.
