Te-Hina Paopao Puts on a Long-Range Laser Show: In a game that signals her arrival, the star rookie ties a career-high in points, goes 4-of-5 from deep, and displays elite-level confidence.

Here’s a deep dive into Te‑Hina Paopao’s long-range laser show—a breakout game that signaled her emergence as a bona fide WNBA threat. Let’s unpack every facet of her performance, from the moment the clock started to the way she shifted Atlanta’s floor spacing, and what it means for her future.

Paopao tied her WNBA career high in scoring, torching the Chicago Sky with 16 points, including a red-hot 4-of-5 from three (5-of-6 overall from deep according to one report)  In just 14 minutes, she drilled shot after shot, anchoring the Dream’s shooting with ice-cold precision.

• 4-of-5 from beyond the arc—a demonstration of elite-level shooting confidence and range.
• 16 points in limited minutes—matching her career best and proving she’s capable of producing in bursts.

This wasn’t a fluke. She’d already scored five threes on six attempts earlier in the season, cementing her reputation as a deadly sharpshooter

What’s remarkable is not just the volume of make⁠s⁠—but the fearlessness behind them:

• As a rookie, she doesn’t shrink from moments—she attacks space, spokes no hesitation when pulling up from deep.
• Against Caitlin Clark in preseason, Paopao famously said she was “kind of mad” Clark beat her to a three—so she “had to get that lick back” ). That kind of self‐assured fire is rare in rookies.
• On a moving‑screen fall early on, she smiled through it, turning an intimidation play into a sound bite of composure

That blend of confidence + resilience—especially from a player who’s just months into her pro career—is a signal she belongs at this level.

Her evolution from Oregon to South Carolina and now the pros is a story of development:

1. High school phenom: A five-star recruit from California who battled through ACL rehab, yet by senior year averaged 22.7 ppg and led her team to a near-perfect season (
2. Oregon star: Freshman All‑Pac‑12, reliable shooter, gelled into a multifaceted guard
3. South Carolina refocus: Under Dawn Staley, Paopao “found her love again,” became the nation’s most accurate 3‑pointer (around 47–48% before WNBA) and flourished in a championship cultur
4. Steal of draft day: Picked 18th overall, lower than many expected—but Atlanta got supremely lucky

This game ties together that arc: high upside, elite shooting, confidence found in maturity, and undeniable pro-ready output.

Paopao’s long-range arsenal doesn’t just light up the scoreboard—it fundamentally alters defensive schematics:

• Drives defenders out, opening up lanes for cutters and paint work.
• Forces opponents to extend coverage to the perimeter, creating spacing for teammates like Rhyne Howard, Brittney Griner, or Allisha Gray to exploit.

Rose-colored numbers aside, 57.1% from deep through 13 games is off-the-chart accuracy  Even with some regression to be expected, her trajectory puts her in specialist elite range.

Draft analysts labeled her a “steal”—a player whose talent was underrated out of college . Now, her game is backing that up:

• Shooting: Already leading the league in percentage from deep.
• Poise: Shines under pressure, smiles through rough moments.
• Versatility: Not just spacing; she picks pockets, makes plays, launches confidence.

And as one fan tweeted about her preseason duel with Caitlin Clark

Her connection with coach Karl Smesko’s perimeter-first coaching allows her to maximize what she does best: take the open shot, and take it early and often.

• She’s already earned four starts and averages nearly 7 ppg in just 14 mins, dominating her per-minute output
• With veterans on the court, she’s slotted as a key off-ball threat—yet still aggressive enough to strike deep, even facing high-profile rookies like Clark.

1. Sustainable shooting: Expecting some regression from 57.1% is realistic, but her college foundation—47–48%—suggests she’ll remain an upper‑tier sniper.
2. Expanded role: As more trust builds, expect 20+ minutes/game, and perhaps more looks late in games.
3. Brand and exposure: Already has strong NIL history (Sephora, McDonald’s, HEYDUDE) and on-court success is fueling her visibility.
4. Potential breakout: If she strings together 3–4 games like this, she could redefine her role from “shooting spark” to consistent perimeter ace.

This game wasn’t just a hot shooting night—it was declaration of belonging. In one outing, Paopao:

• Matched her career high.
• Knocked down 80%+ from deep.
• Showed elite-level confidence.
• Reasserted herself from a strong college pedigree.

Atlanta got a rookie ready from Day One—a shooter who thrives under pressure and brings an X‑factor presence to their floor. If she keeps that poise and keeps creating space like this, teams might be underpaying her 18th pick for a while to come.

Te‑Hina Paopao’s long-range laser show was more than just scoring—it was a coming-out party. For those tracking her progression—from high school phenom to college champion to now WNBA spark—this game is the tangible payoff. She’s the real deal: elite shooter, confident professional, and rising in a league hungry for consistency and poise.

Welcome to the WNBA, Te‑Hina—your arrival has been broadcast in living color.