The world of women’s basketball is no stranger to drama, but few expected the headlines that would emerge from a recent preseason game in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA). NaLyssa Smith, Indiana Fever’s dynamic forward, had just landed in China for her first game with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls. The trip was supposed to be a chance for growth, a new experience, and, for many WNBA stars, a way to supplement their income during the long American offseason. But what happened on that court would ripple far beyond the arena’s walls—and would leave even Caitlin Clark, Smith’s high-profile Fever teammate, at a loss for words.
For NaLyssa, the move to China was both exciting and daunting. The language was unfamiliar, the food exotic, and the expectations sky-high. She was determined to prove herself, to show that her game could travel and thrive anywhere. The Zhejiang Golden Bulls welcomed her with open arms, but the pressure was immediate. Local fans expected fireworks, and social media buzzed with anticipation.
Meanwhile, back in the United States, Caitlin Clark was watching from afar. The Fever’s rookie sensation had taken the WNBA by storm, and her every move was tracked by fans and analysts alike. Clark and Smith had formed a bond during their time together, both on and off the court. Clark knew Smith’s struggles—her desire for respect, her frustration with critics, and her fierce competitive edge. As Smith’s first game in China approached, Clark sent her a simple message: “Go get ‘em. Play your game.”
The Zhejiang Golden Bulls faced off against Inner Mongolia in a packed arena, banners waving and drums pounding. Smith was locked in, her focus razor-sharp. Early in the first quarter, she drained a three-pointer, flashing the confident smile that had made her a fan favorite in Indiana. But basketball is a game of emotion, and overseas leagues are known for their physicality.
On the next possession, Smith fought for a rebound under the basket. Suddenly, an opposing player—frustrated by Smith’s dominance—delivered a sharp elbow to her ribs. The contact was hard, unmistakable, and, for a split second, the world seemed to slow. Smith staggered, caught her breath, and then, in a flash of anger, fired the basketball back at her opponent.
The ball struck the other player squarely in the chest. Gasps echoed through the arena, and before anyone could react, benches cleared. Players rushed onto the court, coaches shouted, and referees scrambled to restore order. The crowd was on its feet, phones raised, capturing every moment.
Within minutes, video clips of the altercation were circulating online. Commentators on Chinese and American social media weighed in, some condemning Smith’s reaction, others defending her right to stand up for herself. The referees huddled, then handed out a flurry of technical fouls—seven in total. Smith, breathing heavily, was allowed to stay in the game.
Despite the chaos, Smith’s performance never wavered. She poured in 20 points, pulled down 10 rebounds, and led the Golden Bulls to a hard-fought seven-point victory. As the final buzzer sounded, Smith walked off the court with her head held high, but the weight of the incident pressed on her shoulders.
Back home, Caitlin Clark watched the highlights on her phone, her eyes wide in disbelief. She’d seen Smith fired up before, but never like this. Clark knew better than most the pressure of being under the microscope, the way every gesture and word could be twisted online. She scrolled through the comments—some sympathetic, others harsh.
Clark’s phone buzzed with messages from teammates and friends. “Did you see what happened?” “Is NaLyssa okay?” Clark didn’t have answers. For the first time, she found herself speechless, unsure how to respond publicly or privately.
She drafted a message to Smith, then deleted it. What could she say that wouldn’t sound hollow? Instead, she posted a simple tweet: “Passion is part of the game. Proud of my teammate for always giving her all.”
In the days that followed, the incident became a flashpoint for discussions about player conduct, professionalism, and the unique pressures faced by athletes overseas. Pundits debated whether Smith’s actions were justified or reckless. Some fans pointed to Smith’s recent social media posts, where she’d hinted at frustration with her current situation—cryptic messages about loyalty, respect, and finding her place.
The WCBA announced an official review, but Smith’s coach with the Golden Bulls publicly supported her. “NaLyssa is a competitor. She plays with heart. We stand with her,” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark faced questions of her own. Would she join the new Unrivaled league in the offseason? Or would she rest, recharge, and prepare for the next WNBA season under new Fever head coach Stephanie White? Clark’s answer was diplomatic: “Right now, I’m focused on supporting my teammates—wherever they’re playing.”
Late one night, Smith called Clark. The connection was scratchy, but the emotion was clear.
“I lost my cool,” Smith admitted quietly. “I know I shouldn’t have thrown the ball. But I’m tired, Cait. Tired of being pushed around—on the court, off the court, everywhere. I just wanted to remind them I’m here to fight.”
Clark listened, her own frustrations bubbling up. “You’re not alone,” she said. “We all feel it. People want to see us break, but we’re stronger than that. You showed them you won’t back down. Just…next time, maybe don’t throw the ball.”
Smith laughed, the tension easing. “No promises.”
The incident faded from the headlines, replaced by new stories and new controversies. But for Smith, the experience left a mark. She became more careful, channeling her fire into her game. Her stats soared, and the Golden Bulls made a deep playoff run. Chinese fans, once skeptical, embraced her grit and determination.
Caitlin Clark, too, found new perspective. She used her platform to speak about the pressures athletes face, the importance of mental health, and the need for understanding across cultures.
When the season ended, Smith returned home, her reputation both tested and strengthened. She and Clark reunited in Indiana, sharing stories, laughs, and a renewed sense of purpose. The fight in China became a footnote—a lesson in resilience, pride, and the unbreakable bond between teammates.
In the end, the world remembered the scuffle, but they also remembered the passion, the comeback, and the unspoken promise: that no matter where they played, Smith and Clark would always have each other’s backs—and would never let adversity define them.
Caitlin Clark’s Fever teammate NaLyssa Smith starts brawl in Chinese women’s basketball league
Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever teammate NaLyssa Smith starred in a bench-clearing skirmish during a game in China on Thursday.
Smith, drafted by the Fever in 2022, partakes in a common practice among WNBA players who head overseas during the offseason to fill financial gaps left by their salaries in the W.
Smith recently signed with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls of the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) after playing the last few years in Turkey and got off to a hot start in her first season in East Asia.
Zheijiang played against Inner Mongolia in a preseason scrimmage when Smith got elbowed by her defender while fighting for a rebound. In response, the Baylor product aggressively threw the ball to her opponent’s back.
Her reaction did not go well with the Inner Mongolia bench, who all rushed to the court to defend their teammate. Tempers appeared to escalate before other players stepped in to diffuse the situation.
Caitlin Clark’s Indiana teammate NaLyssa Smith starred in a brawl in the Chinese league
Smith just finished her third season with Indiana and is playing with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls
The scrappy tune-up ended with seven technical fouls on both sides. The tensions were high throughout the 40-minute contest and reached a breaking point with Smith’s altercation.
Nonetheless, Smith recorded a game-high 20 points and 10 rebounds to help Zheijiang secure a seven-point win.
In her third year with the Fever, Smith averaged 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, an assist, and a block per game while starting in 37 games for Indiana.
She also appeared in two games, for a total of 13 minutes, as the Fever got swept by Connecticut in the opening round of the WNBA playoffs.
Smith recently wiped all affiliation with the WNBA side off her social media after her girlfriend demanded a trade, citing her dissatisfaction with former coach Christie Sides’ minute distribution.
Whether or not she will return to Indy with Stephanie White running the board remains a question.
