During the offseason, several WNBA players take the opportunity to play internationally, and Indiana Fever’s NaLyssa Smith is one of those players. Currently competing with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China’s Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA), Smith found herself in the middle of a heated altercation during a preseason game. The No. 2 pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, Smith had a standout career at Baylor and brought her competitive spirit with her to China, but that same intensity led to a brief scuffle on the court.
While playing against Inner Mongolia, Smith’s frustration flared after an opposing player gave her a shove while she was trying to fight for position on the court. The situation escalated when Smith retaliated by throwing the ball at her opponent. In response, the opposing player threw the ball back at Smith, leading to a brief confrontation between both teams. Tensions ran high throughout the game, which resulted in seven technical fouls being issued. Fortunately, teammates and officials quickly intervened, preventing the incident from getting worse.
Smith, known for her headband look and No. 1 jersey, finished the game with a solid performance, posting 20 points and 10 rebounds in a 7-point win for Zhejiang. However, the fiery altercation highlighted just how intense the game was, with both sides exchanging fouls and frustrations. Smith’s aggressive nature, though, was not the only noteworthy aspect of her play — she helped lead her team through a tough and physical preseason match.
On the WNBA front, Smith is entering the final season of her four-year rookie deal with the Indiana Fever in 2025, after the team picked up her option earlier this year. Her future with the Fever remains uncertain, especially after a difficult 2023 season in which she posted the lowest statistical output of her career, averaging 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds over 40 regular-season games. The situation became more complicated when coach Christie Sides opted not to utilize Smith in the postseason, giving her only 13 minutes of playtime over two games against the Connecticut Sun.
Given her uncertain role with the Fever, and with the team now under new leadership with head coach Stephanie White, it remains to be seen whether Smith will return to Indiana next season. For now, Smith will continue her international career, focusing on her play with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls and keeping a low profile amid the offseason drama. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this season unfolds for the talented forward.
