Te-Hina Paopao Finds Growth in Dream’s Narrow Loss to Aces After Another Big Comeback Attempt

The Atlanta Dream found themselves in familiar territory early in the 2026 season, falling behind by as many as 19 points for the second time in just over a week. After erasing a similar deficit in their season opener against the Minnesota Lynx, the Dream once again showed resilience, but this time came up just short.

Facing the defending-caliber challenge of the Las Vegas Aces, Atlanta battled back in the second half and briefly seized a one-point lead late in the fourth quarter. However, that advantage lasted only moments before Chelsea Gray responded with decisive plays that swung the game back in Las Vegas’ favor.

The Aces ultimately escaped with an 85-84 victory, handing the Dream a hard-fought loss that reflected both their potential and their early-season inconsistencies. Despite the defeat, Atlanta’s late-game surge highlighted a growing competitive identity under pressure.

With star guard Rhyne Howard sidelined in concussion protocol, the Dream were forced to rely on collective production and rotational depth, setting the stage for both struggle and opportunity throughout the night.

1. Fourth-Quarter Rally Falls Just Short

Atlanta’s comeback effort took shape in the fourth quarter, where the team chipped away at a 17-point deficit with increased defensive intensity and more aggressive offensive execution. The momentum shift came gradually as multiple players contributed key possessions. Te-Hina Paopao, Allisha Gray, Madina Okot, and others played pivotal roles in narrowing the gap, providing scoring bursts and energy that shifted the tone of the game. Their collective effort allowed Atlanta to turn a one-sided contest into a tightly contested finish. With just 36 seconds remaining, Jordin Canada delivered a go-ahead basket that briefly gave the Dream a one-point lead, completing a dramatic rally that seemed to position Atlanta for a comeback victory. However, the Aces quickly responded in the final moments, with Chelsea Gray orchestrating back-to-back plays that restored control and ultimately sealed the narrow win for Las Vegas.

2. Paopao Reflects On Lessons And Frustration

Following the game, Te-Hina Paopao expressed both frustration and perspective, acknowledging the emotional toll of repeated comeback attempts. She noted that while the resilience is encouraging, the team does not want to consistently find itself in such deep deficits. Paopao emphasized that repeatedly climbing out of 20-point holes is not a sustainable formula, even if it demonstrates the team’s competitiveness and fighting spirit. Still, she pointed to the value of experiencing high-pressure moments early in the season. Despite the disappointment, she described pride in the group’s ability to stay engaged and compete, particularly while playing short-handed due to Howard’s absence. Her comments reflected a balance between immediate frustration and long-term development. Paopao’s performance and leadership during the rally were part of a broader effort to stabilize the team during critical stretches of the game, reinforcing her growing role within the rotation.

3. Coaching Perspective And Long-Term Outlook

Head coach Karl Smesko echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the team’s energy and competitiveness in the second half. He noted that the Dream’s fourth-quarter effort represented the standard they aim to maintain throughout entire games, not just in late surges. Smesko acknowledged disappointment in the result but emphasized that the season is still in its early stages, with plenty of opportunity for growth and adjustment. He pointed to the importance of maintaining consistency over four quarters. He also stressed that playing against a team like the Aces provides valuable learning experiences, particularly in how quickly mistakes are punished at the highest level. Those moments, he suggested, serve as critical teaching points for a developing roster. Despite the loss, Smesko expressed confidence in the team’s attitude and trajectory, suggesting that continued effort and reflection from games like this will contribute to long-term improvement.