NaLyssa Smith, the Indiana Fever standout and now an international player in the Chinese Women’s Basketball Association (WCBA), recently found herself at the center of an intense on-court clash.
Smith, who’s joined the Zhejiang Golden Bulls for the WNBA offseason, faced off against Inner Mongolia in a preseason scrimmage that quickly turned into a heated exchange, spotlighting the intensity she brings to any court.
It all started as Smith fought for a rebound when an elbow from her opponent escalated the moment. Unfazed, Smith reacted by hurling the ball directly at her opponent’s back, sparking a swift reaction from the opposing bench.
The Inner Mongolia players rushed the court, rallying around their teammate, while Smith stood her ground until cooler heads could step in to de-escalate the situation.
This intense altercation resulted in a grand total of seven technical fouls, with emotions simmering throughout the rest of the 40-minute scrimmage. Despite the tension, Smith managed to lead the game in both points and rebounds, finishing with an impressive 20 points and 10 rebounds to lift Zhejiang to a narrow seven-point victory.
It was a promising start for Smith in her new WCBA role, marking a strong transition from her previous stints playing in Turkey to her first season in East Asia.
Smith, who completed her third season with the Indiana Fever, brings tenacity on and off the court. Her WNBA season stats showed solid contributions across 37 games, averaging 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, one assist, and one block per game, showcasing her all-around impact.
Though the Fever’s playoff journey was brief, Smith’s contributions have been undeniable. However, her relationship with the Indiana franchise seems to have hit a rough patch recently. After a season where her playing time and role came under scrutiny, Smith wiped her social media of any affiliation with the team, reportedly following a demand for a trade by her girlfriend, who voiced dissatisfaction with former head coach Christie Sides’ minute distribution.
Yeah nalyssa smith won’t be over there for long 💀
— champion Domo🗽 (@ddubxdo) November 7, 2024
As Smith begins her new journey in China, her powerful play and no-nonsense attitude continue to make headlines. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how her WCBA experience unfolds—and what the future holds for her back in the WNBA. Whether her next steps lead her to another team or a fresh start with the Fever, one thing’s certain: NaLyssa Smith is making her mark wherever she goes.
