Move over, Hollywood power couples—WNBA stars DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith are redefining #CoupleGoals, complete with basketballs, adorable dogs, and an Instagram-worthy cuddle sesh that could melt even the iciest heart.
On Thursday morning, Smith posted an Instagram story that sent fans into a frenzy, showcasing her cozy morning with Carrington and their fur babies. Smith, who’s currently dominating in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WBCA), looked like she was living her best long-distance relationship dream.
Her caption? A casual “GM,” as if waking up next to your insanely talented girlfriend and a pile of fluff doesn’t scream “BEST. MORNING. EVER.”
From China With Love (and Stats)
Smith has been balling out for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, proving she’s a beast both on and off the court. Averaging 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and enough blocks to make opponents reconsider life choices, Smith joined the WBCA after her Indiana Fever squad got bounced in the first round of the 2024 WNBA playoffs.
Oh, and let’s not forget she was a key player in the Fever’s epic comeback season, which Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark commandeered like a basketball savant. While the Fever’s playoff dreams were cut short by Carrington‘s Sun, Smith’s transition to international hoops has been nothing short of stellar.
Carrington: The Defensive Queen We Don’t Deserve
Meanwhile, back in the States, Carrington has been grinding for the upcoming Unrivaled Basketball League, set to tip off in January 2025. Team Mist BC snagged Carrington for their roster, and she’ll be coached by none other than former Lakers assistant Phil Handy.
Carrington’s 2024 season with the Connecticut Sun was the stuff of highlight reels. She snagged the WNBA’s Most Improved Player award after averaging 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and a steal here and there to crush opponents’ souls. And let’s not ignore the fact that her defense in the playoffs literally ended Smith’s Fever season.
Smith herself couldn’t help but fangirl over Carrington’s defensive prowess, posting a WNBA highlight reel and admitting:
“Dawg, she is insane, but me personally, I could nevaa take that level of disrespect.”
Translation: Love you, babe, but I’m not trying to get clamped like that anytime soon.
The Real MVPs? Their Dogs
While basketball is clearly a big deal, the stars of Thursday’s Instagram story were the couple’s dogs. Forget LeBron or Caitlin Clark—these pups deserve their own MVP trophies for bringing two world-class athletes together during a rare moment of peace.
Carrington, looking half-awake but fully adorable, didn’t seem to mind the early morning canine chaos. Meanwhile, Smith was all smiles, radiating the kind of bliss you only get when you’ve got love, hoops, and the world’s cutest cuddle crew.
What’s Next for This Power Couple?
As the WNBA offseason stretches on, fans are eating up every glimpse of this dynamic duo. Carrington’s January debut in the Unrivaled Basketball League promises more jaw-dropping moments, while Smith’s WBCA season continues to prove why she’s a force to be reckoned with.
For now, though, the two are basking in the joy of their furry family, proving that while basketball might be life, love and a few good dogs are the real game-changers.
Who needs a championship ring when you’ve got a partner who’ll post about your defense and some paw-sitive vibes to start the day?
