"Only guard on 1st team" - NaLyssa Smith hyped after gf DiJonai Carrington's All-Defensive nod 

It didn't take too long for NaLyssa Smith to laud girlfriend DiJonai Carrington's 2024 First-Team All-Defensive nod on Sunday. Smith was hyped to see that her partner was the only guard among the first-team selections alongside reigning three-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson, 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier, 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart and Storm star Ezi Magbegor.

"Only guard on 1st team," Smith boasted on X while reacting to WNBA's announcement.

Carrington's exceptional year saw her win the 2024 WNBA Most Improved Player of the Year. She was key in helping the Connecticut Sun finish as the third seed with a 28-12 record and the best defensive rating (94.1).

DiJonai Carrington guarded the opposing team's best perimeter player nightly. She averaged 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals per contest, playing 39 games. Carrington also received one vote on the DPOY ballot from Terrika Nichelle Foster-Brasby.

"Yes, I was the one voter who selected DiJonai Carrington," Foster-Brasby wrote on X.

"I know guards don’t typically win this award, as so many believe (and the stats don’t always show) that they don’t impact the game defensively like post players. But Nai’s impact was felt nightly and my eyes saw it"

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DiJonai Carrington's stellar season has been marred by controversies

DiJonai Carrington had an unforgettable 2024 WNBA season. However, her clashes with Caitlin Clark among other incidents marred her on-court performances.

Carrington has allegedly faced death threats and racist abuse from trolls online.

During the Sun's first-round series win over the Indiana Fever, she struck Clark inadvertently. Carrington faced severe backlash online. The Sun guard shared a death threat she received via e-mail before Game 2:

"I hope someone r**es you and cuts your head off."

Carrington also faced criticism online for having long nails that may have caused Clark's eye injury. The Fever star was seen with a bruise under the eye, sparking outrage against the reigning MIPOY.

DiJonai Carrington has done a remarkable job of maintaining her performance on the court despite the noise around her for most of the year. She hopes to continue delivering for her team and lead them to the WNBA Finals this year.

The Sun begin their semifinal series against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday.