Caitlin Clark might be taking a well-deserved break after her stellar rookie season with the Indiana Fever, but her teammates are keeping busy overseas during the WNBA off-season. NaLyssa Smith, one of Clark’s key teammates, has recently made headlines after being involved in a dramatic altercation on the basketball court while playing for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China. This incident occurred during a preseason match on Thursday, drawing attention for its intensity and the fiery exchange that followed.
Smith, who was a standout player during her college years with the Baylor Bears, was playing in her familiar No. 1 jersey, complete with her signature headband. However, the game took an unexpected turn when she became embroiled in a heated confrontation with an opposing player from Inner Mongolia. While leading her team 94-89, Smith was shoved by her opponent, which sparked a tense exchange. In retaliation, Smith grabbed the ball and threw it at the player, only to have it thrown back at her. The situation escalated quickly, resulting in teammates stepping in to prevent further conflict.
This altercation wasn’t an isolated incident during the game. It set the tone for a rough match, with the referee issuing a total of seven technical fouls throughout the contest. Dallas Wings player Kalani Brown, commenting on the game on social media, was shocked by the intensity of the situation, even jokingly referring to the game’s chaos. Despite the aggressive nature of the game, it’s clear that emotions ran high, and the incident had many questioning the physicality of international basketball competitions.
The altercation also highlights a stark contrast to the struggles Smith faced during the 2024 WNBA season. While Clark earned praise for her impressive performance, Smith had a tough year, statistically posting the lowest numbers of her career. Averaging just 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds, she struggled to make a significant impact, especially after being relegated to a limited role in the playoffs. Smith, who appeared in all 40 regular-season games for the Fever, found herself on the bench during key moments, leading to concerns about her future with the team.
Now, as she enters the final year of her contract with the Fever, the uncertainty surrounding Smith’s future in Indiana remains. While she’s currently a valuable part of the team, the franchise’s management has kept quiet about any long-term plans for her beyond the current contract. With changes in coaching staff and questions about her role, Smith’s next steps could have a major impact on her career, both domestically and internationally. It remains to be seen whether she’ll return to the Fever for the 2025 season alongside Clark and teammate Kelsey Mitchell. For now, the spotlight is on her performance overseas as she navigates this pivotal time in her career.
