The Las Vegas Aces clinched their third WNBA championship in four years, sweeping the Phoenix Mercury 4-0 in a thrilling 97-86 Game 4 victory. NaLyssa Smith, a midseason trade acquisition, played a vital role in the Aces’ triumph.
However, it was her girlfriend, Minnesota Lynx guard DiJonai Carrington, who made the most out of the occasion. Carrington took to social media, rooting for Smith while calling her the “turning point” of the season for the Aces.
DiJonai Carrington Was All Over The Internet With Her NaLyssa Smith Praise
While it seems all high and happy for the Aces’ superstar, Smith’s journey to a title was anything but smooth. She faced her fair share of trades and tensions with the Indiana Fever. While the time tested her tough will, Carrington always stood on business, cheering up her better half.
After the Aces made a clean sweep to knock off the Mercury, the arena erupted with crazy chants. However, players from across the league took to social media to offer praise for A’ja Wilson and her team for winning the right for the third time. However, it was Carrington who poured it all in for her girl.
“My baby is a WNBA champion (crying emojis) I’m so so freaking proud of you!!!!! You were the turning point of the season @NaLyssaSmith !!!! I love you beyond words!” she wrote in her passionate tweet.
My baby is a WNBA champion 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 I’m so so freaking proud of you!!!!! You were the turning point of the season @NaLyssaSmith !!!! I love you beyond words!
— dιjonaι carrιngтon♛ (@DijonaiVictoria) October 11, 2025
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She was right, though. Smith undoubtedly played a critical role in Las Vegas’ title run. Traded to the Aces from the Dallas Wings on June 30, Smith averaged 8.2 points and 5.3 rebounds in 27 regular-season games. In the Finals, she posted 3.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, drawing defenders to create space for A’ja Wilson’s MVP-level dominance.
NaLyssa Smith’s Brother Rallied In Her Defense
While Smith’s girlfriend was always there for her, backing her up, the Aces star also saw her brother, Rodney Smith II, rallying for her. Smith’s recent triumph drew a bold response from her brother, who took to X(formerly Twitter) to settle old scores.
“AND CHRISTIE SIDES, I STILL WANNA TALK,” he posted, targeting NaLyssa’s former Fever coach.
AND CHRISTIE SIDES, I STILL WANNA TALK
— Rodney Smith II (@RadioRodd) October 11, 2025
The jab referenced Sides’ decision to cut Smith’s minutes in 2024, despite her early double-doubles. Rodney had previously urged the Fever to trade her if they didn’t value her, a call answered when Smith moved to the Wings in January 2025, then to the Aces.