The Atlanta Dream are off to a solid start in the 2025 season, showing grit, depth, and defensive tenacity through their first four games. After two back-to-back clashes with Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, the Dream returned home to take on a winless but dangerous Dallas Wings team led by the high-profile pairing of Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale.
Atlanta’s defense stole the show, holding Bueckers and Ogunbowale to a combined 6-of-25 shooting from the field. The defensive stand was especially crucial after the Dream suffered an early setback.
In the first quarter, rookie guard Te-Hina Paopao — a fan favorite and promising spark — took a blow to the face. Clutching her eye in pain, she exited the game and did not return. Her injury cast a shadow over the first half, but the Dream’s bench answered the call.
Maya Caldwell was one of the night’s most inspiring stories. In over 22 minutes of action, she tallied 9 points and played with poise and determination — but it was her postgame comments that truly resonated. Caldwell opened up about her journey, her faith, and the challenges of staying on a WNBA roster.
“I mean, I’ve been wanting to play in Atlanta, something I asked God for. So He delivered. And I’m trying to take advantage of this opportunity.”
“Honestly, I just try to stay ready, stay in the gym, stay sharp, and I pray a lot. It’s hard to be in and out of the league. If you follow my career, you know hardships, and even on the roster, I wasn’t always playing a lot. So just staying prayed up and finding joy in little moments.”
“Like, if it’s something that you really want, then that’s something that you just lean on. For me, I’m very religious, so I rely on my faith heavily, and then the people around you — the team, the coaches. Especially here in Atlanta. I can’t speak for every team in the league, but we have a very great support system. You’re not really going to be able to hang your head in this organization, so that helps a lot.”
When asked about the people who support her spiritually, Caldwell shared:
“I have a lot, actually, starting with my dad. He’s my go-to. He’s one of those parents where everything they say is right, so in that moment, you don’t really want to listen. But I feel like I’m mature enough to always go to him, knowing that I’m going to get the right word. Same thing with my fiancé, Zach. He’s very similar to my dad, always saying the right things — it’s like God speaks through them. And even here, our sports psych Dr. Gunter — she’s helped me a lot, and I’m always talking to her.”
Caldwell’s story underscored the depth of character on this Dream squad — a team that plays for each other and something greater.
Meanwhile, Allisha Gray was unstoppable, scoring 27 points with 4 made threes, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks. Her energy on both ends of the floor set the tone.
“I think it speaks to me being an all-around player,” Gray said postgame. “I try to benefit the game any way I can — make an extra pass, take an open shot, just help set up my teammates. So I think that’s just the unselfish player in me — being an all-around player.”
Despite a cold shooting night for Rhyne Howard (2-of-12 from the field), the All-Star wing still made a difference with 10 assists, showcasing her evolving playmaking and willingness to lead through distribution.
The frontcourt anchored the paint behind the veteran presence of Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner, who continue to provide a stabilizing force and defensive presence down low.
With contributions from across the roster, the Dream improved their record and, more importantly, demonstrated the kind of togetherness, heart, and resilience that could define their season.
