On Saturday, the Atlanta Dream had their final WNBA preseason game against the Indiana Fever. Although their newly-acquired star, Brittney Griner, didn’t spend much time on the floor. However, the other players were able to take the chance to showcase their talent.
One of the players who made the most of her playing time was Dream rookie Te-Hina Paopao. The 5-foot-9 guard had a promising showing in 21 minutes of action. She had 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting from the field.
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One of Paopao’s made shots was over the Fever star Caitlin Clark. The moment caught the attention of fans on social media.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark dribbles against Atlanta Dream guard Te-Hina Paopao during the second half at Gateway Center Arena @ College Park.Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Halfway through the first quarter, the rookie guard attacked the basket. Clark tried her best to defend the second-round pick, who went up for a layup. However, the reigning Rookie of the Year committed a shooting foul.
After the play, Paopao’s teammates got up from the bench and were energized by her play.
Fans on X loved the energy the rookie had in the preseason game.
“PaoPao, making basketball so fun to watch!” a fan commented.
“She is going to be Loved in The ATL,” another fan said.
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“Star in the making. She had a phenomenal game,” one fan on X said.
“I love the confidence from the rook!!” a fan posted.
“Need dat jersey ASAP,” a comment read.
“Paopao better make this team ♥️” one hopeful fan said.
Despite the 81-76 loss, Paopao still did her best and put on a shot.
The guard was the 18th pick by the Dream. Before that, Paopao spent two seasons at South Carolina, after head coach Dawn Staley recruited her for her 3-point shooting. The long-time head coach had high praise for the guard when she transferred in 2023.
“She brings big game experience and is a great fit for the SEC,” said Staley.
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However, she spent her first three years of college at Oregon. She was a consistent starter and shot over 40% from beyond the arc during her freshman and junior seasons.
The 22-year-old is an NCAA champion, a second-team All-American – USBWA, a second-team All-SEC and a two-time All-Pac-12 Team. Paopao was also part of the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team and the McDonald’s All-American team in 2020.
Related: Tina Charles Earns Respect For Caitlin Clark Comments Before Fever-Dream
