WNBA fans reacted to an interesting interaction between DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith after Game 1 of the first round in the WNBA playoffs between Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun. In the video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, the WNBA couple met on the court after the game.
In the video, DiJonai Carrington was seen looking at Smith as though she hoped Smith wasn't upset with her. The moment between on-court opponents and the off-court couple didn't sit well with some of the fans.
While one fan wrote that the WNBA was the "messiest league ever," another fan wrote that such a relationship takes away the competition from the game.
"I don’t think we realize how crazy the idea of 2 opponents going home together in a playoff series because they’re in a relationship is. This the messiest league ever. Lol," a fan wrote.
"This kinda makes the league awkward. Like how are you supposed to have that fire and passion to play hard and compete when you’re dating your competition," another fan wrote.
One fan wrote that rather than talking out any potential problems while still on the court, Smith and Carrington should talk in the tunnel when returning to their dressing rooms.
"Idk why they can't just meet in the damn tunnel. Yall both need to go rap with your teams about the game," the fan wrote.
A fan hilariously commented that DiJonai Carrington and Smith would be sleeping in different rooms after the game.
"It would be the quietest household for the whole series lmao. Might have to sleep in different rooms," wrote a fan.
A fan wrote that although it was not professional, it was kind of fun to watch.
"I think it's highly unprofessional but it's hella fun though," a fan wrote.
However, there were also some fans who came in support of both WNBA stars and wrote that they were mature enough to separate their two lives.
"From the outside looking in, this is new to us, but not new to them. They didn’t fall in love yesterday lol," a fan wrote.
"It happens in every sports league they’re just more open than other leagues," anotherafan wrote.
DiJonai Carrington hits NaLyssa Smith's teammate Caitlin Clark, leaves her with black eye
Caitlin Clark had a poor performance in Game 1 of the first round against the Connecticut Sun on Monday. The Indiana Fever star rookie played her first-ever playoff game but succumbed to the Sun's defense.
However, an incident from the game that was less talked about was an uncalled foul on Caitlin Clark committed by DiJonai Carrington. With less than two minutes in the game, while Clark was being defended by Carrington, she made a pass to Aliyah Boston.
However, after trying to block the pass, DiJonai Carrington's finger got Clark in the right eye. Despite her being on the floor, holding her eye, the foul wasn't called. Later, Clark entered the game with a black eye.
This is not the first time that Carrington has made headlines for her defense of Caitlin Clark. It will be interesting to see if she and the Fever make a comeback in the next game. Clark ended the game with 11 points and made only 4 of 17 shots from the field.