If you thought the WNBA playoffs were just about basketball, think again. The matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun isn’t just a battle on the court — there’s a whole lot of off-court tension, too. Why? Because NaLyssa Smith of the Fever and DiJonai Carrington of the Sun are not only just dating but potentially engaged, and this power couple is going head-to-head in the first round of the playoffs. Yeah, talk about complicated.
Going head-to-head in first round of the 2024 WNBA playoffs
This playoff series is already serving serious drama, and we’re not even through Game 1. Sure, they’re both professionals, but can you imagine the tension? How do you even handle game day when your girlfriend-maybe-fiancé is literally trying to take you down on national TV? This is the fifth time they’ve faced off this season alone.
Both players are known for their intensity on the court, and that’s not going away just because they’re in a relationship. They’ve been playing fierce, fouling out, and giving each other no mercy.
@espn NaLyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington are playing each other in the Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun WNBA Playoffs series ❤️ #wnba #basketball #relationship ♬ did i tell u that i miss u – adore
And honestly, this whole situation is giving serious “sports soap opera” vibes. It’s like the WNBA version of Serena and Venus Williams — except instead of sisters, they’re potential fiancés who have to compartmentalize their feelings while going head-to-head for a chance to move forward in the playoffs. Can you imagine the post-game convos?
So, whether you’re here for the basketball or just the off-court drama, this WNBA playoff series is delivering everything we didn’t know we needed. Keep your eyes on these two because, win or lose, they’re making history — both as a couple and as competitors.
NaLyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington Relationship Timeline
NaLyssa and DiJonai have been together since 2020, back when they were teammates at Baylor, and while their relationship is still strong off the court, things are getting dicey on the court.
In a regular-season game just before the playoffs, DiJonai led Connecticut with 19 points, while NaLyssa held her own with 10 points and six rebounds for Indiana. Both players were aggressive, racking up five fouls each and almost benching themselves by the end of the game, which Indiana won 84-80. But now it’s playoff time, and it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top.
With only one of them guaranteed to make it past the first round, the stakes are sky-high, and no matter how you look at it, one of them is going home after this series. And because of the potential engagement ring fans saw on DiJonai’s finger, that person would probably be going home to their opponent.
