Dream's Te-Hina Paopao addresses Caitlin Clark's acknowledged three-pointer with a frank response.
Mean Streets of the WNBA:
Rookie of the Year showdown goes down in Atlanta
Wow, the Atlanta Dream's preseason game against the Indiana Fever was a nail-biter! The Dream didn't have their best offensive night, with Rhyne Howard shooting 2-for-12 and Allisha Gray going 1-for-8. But fear not, because the Dream's rookie guard, Te-Hina Paopao, rose to the occasion and stole the show.
Paopao, the 18th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, went toe-to-toe with last season's Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark, and proved she was more than ready for the big stage. Clark drained a three-pointer over Paopao early in the game, but Paopao wasn't about to let that slide. She hit a step-back three in response and made it clear she wasn't backing down.
After the game, Paopao had some choice words for Clark. "I was a little miffed that she hit that three over me," Paopao said. "I needed that retaliation, and I got it. I got to give a big shoutout to my teammates for understanding my competitive nature. They're the best."
Throughout training camp and the preseason, Paopao has received rave reviews from her teammates and coaches for her confidence, poise, and ability to shoot the lights out. For her part, Paopao is well aware of the hype around her and is eager to live up to expectations.
"I know what I've been capable of since I was at South Carolina, and I feel confident that I can bring that same level of play to the WNBA," Paopao said after the game. "I just need to stay focused and keep working hard. I have full faith in myself and my teammates."
With Jordin Canada out for the next two weeks, Paopao could see significant minutes early in the season and could be a key piece in the Dream's offensive attack. Keep an eye on this rookie – she's one to watch!
Insight: Te-Hina Paopao, a championship-winning point guard from South Carolina, shone in the preseason game against the Indiana Fever. Despite Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray struggling offensively, Paopao stepped up and delivered a strong performance. Expect to see more dominance from Paopao this season as she looks to make a name for herself in the WNBA. Paopao's ability to shoot, lead, and dominate on both ends of the floor has earned her a spot in the starting lineup and could make her a key contributor to the Dream's success. [1][2]
1.Te-Hina Paopao, the rookie guard from the Atlanta Dream, competed against Caitlin Clark, last season's Rookie of the Year, in the preseason game against the Indiana Fever.2. In the same game, Paopao, who was the 18th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, proved her readiness for the big stage by stealing the show from her counterpart.3. The championship-winning point guard from South Carolina demonstrated her confidence, poise, and remarkable shooting skills, earning rave reviews from her teammates and coaches.4.With Jordin Canada out for the next two weeks, Paopao could potentially see significant minutes and become a key piece in the Dream's offensive attack in the upcoming season, making her a player to watch in the WNBA.
