When Connecticut Sun star DiJonai Carrington decided to pour her heart out on X (formerly Twitter), she didn’t just send a tweet; she dropped a heart-shaped grenade. Her message, sprinkled with equal parts love and longing, left her 69,000 followers (and counting) reaching for tissues—or popcorn.
“I miss lyss so much bro. Long distance year-round 😭 mannnn. *sent wit watery eyes 😩,” Carrington tweeted, capturing the agony of a long-distance relationship like a pro in emotional free throws.
For those who aren’t tuned into this love story, DiJonai Carrington and Indiana Fever star NaLyssa Smith have been the WNBA’s favorite power couple since their Baylor University days. But love in the time of professional sports? Let’s just say it’s not always slam dunks and roses.
While Carrington is preparing for the new 3×3 Unrivaled league in the U.S., Smith has taken her talents (and her heart) to China, playing for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association. The Atlantic Ocean has nothing on these two when it comes to distance.
From Lovebirds to TikTok Stars
Long-distance might be the villain in their story, but Carrington and Smith are no rookies when it comes to keeping the romance alive. TikTok, Instagram, and even the occasional throwback picture of their adorable pet dogs have become their digital love letters.
Carrington’s latest TikTok montage had fans swooning harder than Smith’s jump shots. Captioned “You look happier now,” the video featured highlights of their time together, cementing Smith’s title as the reigning MVP of Carrington’s heart.
Not to be outdone, Smith posted a nostalgic snap on Instagram with Carrington and their dogs, proving that even across continents, she’s got game—both on and off the court.
Rivals on the Hardwood, Partners in Life
These two aren’t just WNBA icons; they’re also fierce competitors. When the Connecticut Sun met the Indiana Fever in the first round of the playoffs, the stakes were high. Carrington’s Sun advanced to the next round, sweeping Smith’s Fever 2-0. The series may have ended, but Carrington consoling Smith on the court was a moment that melted even the iciest of basketball hearts.
In their respective seasons, Carrington posted impressive stats: 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, all while serving as Connecticut’s emotional anchor. Smith, meanwhile, put up a respectable 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game with the Fever, proving she’s as dependable as a clutch shot in the fourth quarter.
“Miss You Like a Layup I Didn’t Take”
Carrington’s heartfelt tweet isn’t just relatable—it’s iconic. Who hasn’t been hit by the agony of separation, made worse by Instagram highlights and FaceTime glitches? In a world where professional schedules and time zones are brutal defenders, Carrington and Smith are showing that love can still be a fast break.
Their story is a reminder that even WNBA stars deal with the same relationship hurdles we mere mortals face. The difference? They navigate it all with a mix of grace, humor, and the occasional viral TikTok.
As the 3×3 Unrivaled league kicks off in January, fans will be watching Carrington not just for her dazzling plays but also for any updates on her courtship with Smith. After all, sports are great, but a good love story? That’s a championship in itself.
So, while the rest of us count down to the next game, Carrington will be counting down the days until she’s reunited with her favorite teammate. And honestly? That’s the real MVP move.
