Following the Indiana Fever's playoff exit against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, Sun guard DiJonai Carrington and Fever forward NaLyssa Smith were attacked on social media. Carrington received racist comments from people across the sports world. Sun fans even made comments about the vibe of Game 2.

However, Smith took to X and supported her girlfriend amidst the negativity. “anyways now that i can respond freely, my girlfriend has been getting death threats, followed, called all type of s**t. So, if sending her flowers to make sure her mental health is okay then coo cry about it.,” Smith said. 

The couple had their fair share of moments in Game 1. After the Sun won convincingly, the pair shared a moment where Smith seemed displeased with Carrington. Both Smith and Carrington embraced once Connecticut punched the ticket to the semifinals.

Article Continues Below
More Connecticut Sun News
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers drives the ball against Connecticut Sun guard Saniya Rivers in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Sun rookie Saniya Rivers claims ‘random’ Marina Mabrey friendship helped WNBA adjustmentJess Koffie ·
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) drives to the basket while being defended by Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (3) during the second half at Barclays Center.
Marina Mabrey hits all-time WNBA low point in Sun’s 48-point loss to LibertyRichard Pereira ·
Connecticut Sun guard Bria Hartley (14) reacts after a play against the Las Vegas Aces in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Sun players turn up after beating Fever for 1st win of 2025 WNBA seasonJaren Kawada ·
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) defends against Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (31) and guard Marina Mabrey (3) in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Sun get multiple injury updates for Fever clashJulian Ojeda ·
Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington (21) defends against Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (3) in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Wings-Sun matchup turns into night of reunions for WNBA starsJess Koffie ·
Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles reacts after her packet and one against Dallas Wings center Teaira McCowan in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Sun stars make Knicks-Pacers bold predictions for Eastern Conference FinalsJess Koffie ·

Why did Fever forward NaLyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington receive death threats?

NaLyssa Smith supports her girlfriend, DiJonai Carrington amidst social media hate
© INDIANAPOLIS STAR-Imagn Images

Unfortunately, this doesn't mark the first instance Carrington was under attack. The Fever forward felt the tension Carrington received after an unintentional foul on Caitlin Clark in Game 1. Even some media members questioned the intention, thus sparking a social media frenzy.

Although both Smith and Carrington competed hard in the series, it doesn't justify a fanbase going after a player for no rational reason. Hate of any kind is unacceptable, as Sun forward Alyssa Thomas emphasized that message in her postgame press conference. 

While Indiana was sent home and the Sun are moving on, the hate doesn't seem to stop. Thomas demanded the Fever and the league to take action. She wants the WNBA to address these issues that are turning dangerous for the players. The WNBA released a statement but it seems a little late. Even though Fever fans don't like Carrington, the harassment is unacceptable. As the league continues to grow, it will need to stand on its values and principles, regardless of whether new fans like it or not.