When Marina Mabrey was traded to the Connecticut Sun by the Chicago Sky, little did she know she’d end up forming a good bond with a notable opponent. But after just a year of playing together, Mabrey and DiJonai Carrington weren’t just a part of a defensive powerhouse that posted a 94.1 defensive rating—they were also becoming the closest of friends. And that bond was evident today. Even though Carrington is now helping the Wings with her signature defensive grit, Mabrey isn’t letting their friendship fade—especially now, when Carrington needs support the most.

It all stems from Carrington’s switch to the Dallas Wings for the 2025 season, where she joined her girlfriend, Nalyssa Smith. And let us tell you, the 2024 KIA WNBA Most Improved Player has put the space to best use. Notably, she’s posting a career-high defensive rating of 112.2 after just eight games, averaging 26.9 minutes per night.

But with her aggressive defense comes both praise and criticism. Fans still remember last year, when she accidentally poked Caitlin Clark in the eye during a defensive play—an incident that left Clark with a black eye. Though no foul was called back then, Carrington hasn’t been as lucky this season. Just 19 days into 2025, she’s already leading the league in Flagrant 1 fouls.

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And, unsurprisingly, fans have been relentless in calling her out after each one. However, the breaking point came during the Wings’ 83-77 loss to the Seattle Storm, when Carrington chased down Skylar Diggins on a fast break and delivered a hard foul. While attempting to block the shot from behind, she made contact with Diggins’ head, sending her crashing to the floor.

And that wasn’t the only incident raising eyebrows. Carrington also made contact with Gabby Williams as she went up for a shot. The Wings’ forward elevated to contest but landed in Williams’ space, causing her to come down awkwardly and roll her ankle. With back-to-back plays like these, fans had enough ammo to double down on the “dirty player” narrative. Finally, Carrington took to X to address it head-on.

“Yall fAnS swear I’m such a dirty player,” she wrote. “I’m SO over this narrative bc if u really know bball, u know I jus play hard asf & never give up on a play. & yup, we challenged the last couple flagrants & got em rescinded bc I’m ALWAYS tryna make a play on the ball nun more, nun less.”

That was the case in the Storm game, and again versus the Chicago Sky, where she picked up another Flagrant 1 against Ariel Atkins. Still, that explanation hasn’t been enough for many fans, who continue to criticize her. However, not everyone’s against her. Some appreciate the physical edge she brings—and at the front of that line is Marina Mabrey.

 “Don’t listen to them, Nai,” she wrote on X. And honestly, Mabrey’s support makes perfect sense. Carrington is showing growth in nearly every stat line, averaging 0.5 blocks per game, 13 points, and four rebounds. She’s evolving into a complete defensive weapon. Unfortunately, her efforts haven’t quite translated into team success, as the Wings currently sit at the bottom of the standings with a 1–7 record.

But Mabrey’s support isn’t just about Carrington’s stats. For her, this is personal. Carrington is one of her good friends, and now playing for the same team where Mabrey spent several impactful seasons. For those unaware, Mabrey was with the Wings from 2020 after being traded by the Sparks, and remained there until her move to the Chicago Sky in 2023. Moreover, the Notre Dame alumna has known that physicality first hand.

Marina Mabrey has got a taste of DiJonai Carrington’s intensity

Let’s rewind to the playoffs three years ago. Mabrey was playing for the Wings while Carrington suited up for the Sun. During one of those heated matchups, the two were spotted trash-talking after Carrington fouled Mabrey with a hard slap on the ball. Moments later, as Mabrey prepared for a sideline throw-in, she was seen exchanging more words with Carrington, which ultimately earned her a technical foul.

But come 2024, you couldn’t find hints of that exchange. That year, Mabrey was traded to the Sun—Carrington’s team. While she was initially hesitant about the move, the team’s culture and shared goals helped the two bury the hatchet. Now? Mabrey says it best:

“She loves me, she’s all talk. That girl loves me to death. We’re building a friendship for sure.” So, when you see Mabrey cheering on Carrington today, it’s just another chapter in their evolving bond. But will the love still hold strong when they face off on opposite sides of the court again? They fared well once this season with no flagrant fouls and Carrington on the 109-87 winning side. The next one is scheduled for the 20th.