NaLyssa Smith rants about her matchups in the WNBA (Image Source: IMAGN)

"What y’all want me to do?": NaLyssa Smith vents feelings with DiJonai Carrington about guarding Napheesa Collier & Co. amid alarming slump

Modified Jun 11, 2025 22:04 GMT

Dallas Wings forward NaLyssa Smith didn't hide her feelings when talking about her task on the defensive end. In her position, she is surrounded by many talented players in the WNBA. Offensively, Smith can do damage on the floor. However, she has taken on a more defensive role with the Wings in the 2025 season.

On Wednesday, a video of Smith and her girlfriend and teammate, DiJonai Carrington, was posted on Instagram. While hanging out, Carrington discussed how most teams focus on utilizing the power forward position.

"Everything plays through the four in the W," Carrington said. "Every action is played through the trail and that's the four player.

Smith, who plays the same position, chimed in. She defended herself and went on a rant about how she's getting flak for her defense, while she has to guard some of the best stars.

"That's what I've been trying to tell y'all folks, y'all be on my a** about defense, bro," Smith said. "But I'm guarding A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier, Nneka [Ogwumike]. Come on, fam. What y'all want me to do bro? I'm trying."

Carrington doubled down on what her partner said about the power forward spot.

"Those are the best -- the best players in the W right now are all four players."

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This season, the Wings have been struggling on the defensive end. They rank 11th on defense out of 13 teams in the league. Fortunately for Dallas, they've done a better job on offense, ranking 7th in the league.

NaLyssa Smith and the Wings have not been a good team this year. They are at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 1-9 record. Their record puts them at the bottom of the entire league.

Wings' rookie tells NaLyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington to sleep

The Wings are scheduled to play against the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday. However, NaLyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington decided to stay in the pool late at night.

The team's rookie, Paige Bueckers, let them know that she wants her teammates to get enough sleep for their game. Bueckers left a comment on their post, telling them to get some sleep.

However, Carrington didn't want to do it without knowing if their rookie point guard is back in the lineup.

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The former UConn star was on the Wings' injury report for the past four games due to the WNBA's concussion protocol. Bueckers also dealt with an illness during that time.

Against the Mercury, it will be another tough defensive assignment for NaLyssa Smith. She'll have to guard two-time All-Star Satou Sabally, who's averaging 20.5 points and 7.7 rebounds this season.

About the author

Reign Amurao specializes in basketball at Sportskeeda, bringing 3 years of experience to his role and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication.

A fervent supporter of the Phoenix Suns, Reign was hooked to their electrifying "Seven-Seconds-Or-Less" offense, which epitomizes high-paced and high-intensity basketball. For Reign, Steve Nash is the ultimate floor general, and he believes Boris Diaw could've been the next Magic Johnson if he had a bit more discipline.

From Reign's perspective, Anthony Edwards is a 90s player stuck in modern times, and Gregg Popovich is an ultimate winner with unparalleled success and leadership in the sport.

Reign's expertise lies in NBA history, particularly the significant moments and trends of the 2000s and 2010s. He prioritizes in-depth research using only credible sources to maintain accuracy in his articles, and avoids misleading topics.

Beyond basketball, Reign enjoys gaming with friends and watches comedy shows and films.

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