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Atlanta Dream Stars Gives Shoutout to Rookie Guard's Career Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 8:00 AM ET

On Sunday, the Atlanta Dream continued their hot streak over the weekend. They had back-to-back wins from their Friday and Sunday games. The Dream played against the Chicago Sky and had an 88-70 victory. They followed it up with an 89-56 win against the Washington Mystics.

The team was led by All-Star guard Allisha Gray, who had 32 points on 71.4% shooting from the field. It was a career-high for Gray, who didn't let the Mystics' defense get the best of her. Despite a significant game for the star, however, she gave recognition to her rookie teammate, Te-Hina PaoPao.

Like Gray, PaoPao had one of the best scoring nights of her career. The rookie guard came off the bench and had 16 points and five assists on 66.7% shooting from deep.

On X, Gray gave PaoPao a shoutout, saying how proud she was of her young teammate.

"Yeahhhh Lil Bruh …Big sister proud of you! You wanna be like me so badddd @tehinapaopaoo," Gray posted.

PaoPao had fun on social media and replied with a humorous banter with the 2017 Rookie of the Year.

"my fellow gamecock sister, i thank you for the shoutout and girl byeeeeeeee," the rookie replied.

my fellow gamecock sister, i thank you for the shoutout and girl byeeeeeeee
— (@tehinapaopaoo) June 15, 2025

Even two-time All-Star Rhyne Howard spoke highly of PaoPao's scoring night.

"Lil bruh came in cooking tho ngl it made me proud," Howard posted.

Lil bruh came in cooking tho ngl it made me proud ‍↕️
— Rhyne Howard (@howard_rhyne) June 15, 2025

PaoPao was the 18th pick of the 2025 draft and has proven that she belongs in the league. The point guard is averaging 3.9 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 12.6 minutes per game.

Despite being a second-round pick, PaoPao has secured her spot with the Dream and has continued to impress her peers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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