Fans react after couple DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith share special moment postgame: “No wonder it’s a failing league”

Fans react to NaLyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington sharing a hug after the Connecticut Sun swept the Indiana Fever in the playoffs. [photo: @WNBA/X]

The interaction between DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith was an interesting subheading in the playoff series between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun. Carrington and Smith, who are in a relationship, were on opposing teams in a series that quickly turned testy and feisty. Many wondered how Carrington would navigate Smith’s usually bone-jarring screens set for Fever star Caitlin Clark.

The interaction between the two was diluted for most of the series, robbing fans of what they wanted to see. Sun coach Stephanie White made a big adjustment in Game 1 by putting DeWanna Bonner on Clark instead of Carrington. Smith also hardly played in the rematch, so that subheading didn’t pan out as many wanted.

After the Indiana Fever’s 87-81 loss to the Connecticut Sun in Game 2, DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith posed for photos.

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Basketball fans promptly reacted to the scene:

“Why are you promoting soap opera drama? No wonder it’s a failing league”

One fan declared:

“NaLyssa will be gone fast. Mark this post”

Another fan couldn’t resist trolling the Fever forward:

“Smith played 4 minutes tonight. Was still -12. She the Sun series MVP.”

One fan supported NaLyssa Smith, saying:

“Welcome to the Sun next year Nalyssa. We respect and value our players here.”

Despite the lighthearted moment, NaLyssa Smith was criticized by Indiana Fever fans. She started in Game 1 but finished with one rebound, one steal and one block. The lack of production prompted Fever coach Christie Sides to bench her in Game 2.

In four minutes in the rematch against the Connecticut Sun, Smith ended up with three rebounds in four minutes. She also finished with a -12 net rating, the worst in the game.

Meanwhile, DiJonai Carrington had another solid game, tallying 10 points, four rebounds, two steals and one assist. She did her part in helping slow down Caitlin Clark throughout the series.

NaLyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington’s respective WNBA careers are trending in opposite directions

When the Indiana Fever selected NaLyssa Smith as the No. 2 pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, many projected her to become a franchise cornerstone. She did not disappoint in her rookie season, averaging 13.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Smith finished third in the Rookie of the Year Race.

The arrival of Aliyah Boston in 2023 as the No. 1 pick did not even stunt Smith’s growth. She improved her average to 15.5 PPG and 9.2 RPG, the best in the Fever. It seemed like Indiana already had its frontline of the future.

2024 is the worst in NaLyssa Smith’s career. The former Baylor star averaged 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 24.8 minutes per game in the regular season. Smith’s poor performance in the playoffs, including her benching in Game 2 doesn’t bode well for her.

Meanwhile, DiJonai Carrington has been improving since entering the WNBA in 2021. The 20th pick in the 2020 draft started one game in her rookie season and hardly contributed to the Sun. She has steadily developed and even earned Sixth Player of the Year consideration in 2023.

This year, DiJonai Carrington started in all 39 games she played. She averaged career-highs in points (12.7 PPG), rebounds (5.0 RPG), assists (1.6 APG) and steals (1.6 SPG) in the regular season. She won the 2024 WNBA Most Improved Player of the Year award. Carrington’s strong showing in the playoffs will only make her more invaluable for the Sun.