The Atlanta Dream came close to pulling off a major upset against the top-ranked New York Liberty on Tuesday night, but ultimately fell short in the final seconds, losing 86-81. While the Dream couldn't secure the win, the night marked a significant breakout performance for their rookie guard, Te-Hina Paopao.
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Paopao, Atlanta’s second-round pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, was a bright spot in the tough loss. In just 15 minutes off the bench, she scored 16 points, matching her career high set just one game earlier against the Washington Mystics. Her stat line also included two steals, one assist and a rebound, underscoring her impact on both ends of the floor.
What made her performance even more impressive was that she outscored the entire starting lineup, showcasing efficiency and confidence beyond her rookie status.
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With back-to-back strong showings, Paopao is quickly emerging as a key contributor for the Dream. If her trajectory continues, Atlanta may have found a rising star in their rookie guard.