Dawn Staley's Message to Atlanta Dream Star After Chicago Sky Game

Perhaps the most unexpected performance on Sunday came from rookie Dream guard Te-Hina Paopao, who was the No. 18 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

She made a career-high five three pointers against the Sky in the win and tied her career-best scoring output with 16 points. She also added three assists and two rebounds.

South Carolina head women's basketball coach Dawn Staley, who coached Paopao for two collegiate seasons, sent a message to the young Atlanta star after her strong performance against Chicago.

"Pao Pao! @tehinapaopaoo with the light work today!! ," Staley wrote.

Staley enjoyed a Hall of Fame playing career in the WNBA before she established herself as a legendary college coach with the Gamecocks. At South Carolina, she boasts an 81.2% win percentage and has three National Championships under her belt.

Paopao has played in 13 contests for the Dream this season and is averaging 6.9 points, 1.9 assists and 1.5 rebounds per game. She is shooting 57.1% from the floor and 57.1% from the three-point line, which leads the WNBA.

As for Chicago, they will be back in action on Tuesday when they host the 4-10 Los Angeles Sparks at Wintrust Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.