In the ever-glamorous world of WNBA power couples, DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith continue to reign supreme, both on and off the hardwood. Carrington, the Connecticut Sun star and reigning Most Improved Player, recently celebrated her birthday in true superstar fashion. Thanks to Smith’s impeccable party-planning skills, it was a day filled with love, luxury, and, yes, a Balenciaga cake.
A Birthday Fit for a Queen
NaLyssa Smith, known for her prowess on the court, proved she’s just as formidable when it comes to creating Instagram-worthy birthday celebrations. Her TikTok video documenting the festivities showcased a scene straight out of a rom-com—if rom-coms featured WNBA stars and designer desserts.
Picture this: a room decked out with red heart-shaped balloons, rose petals meticulously scattered across the floor, and an assortment of teddy bears so large you’d think Build-A-Bear was sponsoring the event. Front and center was a personalized photo of Carrington, surrounded by balloons spelling out “Happy Birthday Tugs.” (Yes, Tugs. Even WNBA stars have pet names, folks.)
But the pièce de résistance? A cake shaped like a Balenciaga bag. Because, let’s face it, nothing screams “I love you” like luxury confectionery.
Smith’s Grand Gesture: WCBA Timeout
Smith’s commitment didn’t stop at gift-giving. After her WCBA stint with Zhejiang, where she dropped jaw-dropping performances—including a December game with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals—Smith made time to celebrate her partner’s big day. Clearly, the phrase “ball is life” takes a backseat when birthdays roll around.
Mist BC’s Birthday Shoutouts
As if Smith’s elaborate setup wasn’t enough, Carrington’s new team, Mist BC, joined the party. Ahead of her Unrivaled league debut, teammates Breanna Stewart, Jewell Loyd, and others sent her heartfelt video messages. The vibe? Equal parts adorable and hilariously cheesy.
Breanna Stewart, in her signature deadpan, started the video with, “Hi, Nai. Happy birthday! Excited to be your teammate. Seatbelt.” Yes, the seatbelt celebration—a nod to Carrington’s signature move—is officially a thing now.
Rickea Jackson chimed in with “Happy birthday, Nai Nai,” while Aaliyah Edwards promised, “We’re doing all season.” Clearly, Carrington’s teammates are ready to lock down the vibes as much as the defense.
Carrington’s Gratitude—and Emojis
True to form, Carrington gushed in the comments, saying:
“Awwww this is so sweet!!! Thank you mist girliessss🩵🌫️💺🔒.”
We’re assuming the seatbelt emoji combo means she’s already visualizing a championship run—and perhaps another Balenciaga cake.
On-Court Dominance, Off-Court Goals
Carrington, who just finished a breakout WNBA season with averages of 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, is set to make her Unrivaled debut on Jan. 17. Her team, Mist BC, will face off against the Lunar Owls, a stacked squad featuring Napheesa Collier, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Cameron Brink.
While Carrington’s on-court skills speak for themselves, it’s clear that her off-court life is equally enviable. Between her doting partner, loving teammates, and a cake that’s probably worth more than most rent payments, Carrington’s living the dream—and then some.
Final Thoughts
NaLyssa Smith didn’t just raise the bar for birthday celebrations; she slam-dunked it through the hoop and hung there for good measure. And while the rest of us settle for store-bought cakes and half-hearted balloon arches, we can at least live vicariously through TikToks like this one.
