NaLyssa Smith is currently in her third WNBA season with the Indiana Fever. She was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 draft out of Baylor. Along with the rest of the Fever, Smith has found her stride during their four-game win streak.
Late in Friday’s win against the Atlanta Dream, rookie Caitlin Clark stole a rebound right out of Smith’s hands, robbing her of a double-double. Smith was noticeably annoyed with Clark’s actions but didn’t make a massive scene while the game progressed.
After the game, Smith and Clark both participated in a postgame interview. When Smith was responding to a question, she gently shaded Clark.
Aliyah Boston celebrates with Indiana Fever teammate Caitlin Clark as NaLyssa Smith looks on
Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports
“I’m trying to get back to double-doubles every game,” Smith said as she glanced over at Clark. Fever coach Christie Sides laughed at Smith’s comments, and Clark looked ashamed, staring down at the table in front of her.
The moment between the two Fever stars was all in good fun. They will look to continue the fun and get their fifth consecutive win on Sunday against the Chicago Sky.
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are in the midst of their best stretch of the 2024 WNBA season. On Friday, they secured their fourth win in a row and moved to 7-10. With the win, the Fever now have the third most wins in the Eastern Conference, but they still hold fourth place because the Dream have two fewer losses.
Toward the end of the game, with three minutes left, Fever forward NaLyssa Smith went up to grab a rebound off a Dream missed shot. Clark decided to take the ball out of her teammate’s hands and add to her own rebound total. This robbed Smith of a double-double, leaving her with 21 points and nine rebounds
Afterward, Smith was visibly annoyed with Clark’s actions. She stared at Clark and dropped her arms in frustration.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates with Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith (1) during the second quarter against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center.© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Clark’s rebound theft of Smith was posted online.
Clark, Smith, and the Fever will take their win streak to Chicago on Sunday when they face Angel Reese and the Sky. This will mark their third meeting of the season, with the Fever taking the first two.
