DiJonai Carrington, who joined the Dallas Wings from the Connecticut Sun for the 2025 season, has been sidelined due to a rib injury, missing the last eight games. Although her season started promisingly, this injury has kept her off the court for weeks. Carrington recently spoke to reporters after practice on Tuesday, offering an update on her condition that sparked hope for her potential return soon.
She described her recovery as gradual and noted the difficulty of healing a rib injury.
“I am feeling okay. It’s been a slow process. It’s a tough injury to heal and needs time. Not much could be done to expedite the process, but I am feeling alright,”
Carrington said. Despite the positive signs, she remained uncertain about participating in the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Aces.
Challenges Faced by the Dallas Wings This Season
The Dallas Wings entered the season with high expectations, especially after acquiring Paige Bueckers. However, injuries have considerably hampered their performance. Alongside Carrington’s rib issue, key player Arike Ogunbowale was also out for several weeks due to a thumb injury. These setbacks have contributed to the Wings struggling this season, holding the second-worst record in the league with only six wins after 22 games.
Media Tension Following the Caitlin Clark Incident and Carrington’s Role
Tensions flared after the first game of the opening playoff round between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun when DiJonai Carrington made a defensive play that resulted in Caitlin Clark being hit in the eyes. Social media quickly alleged the hit was intentional, escalating scrutiny on Carrington.
During post-game media questions, Christine Brennan of USA Today confronted Carrington about whether the hit was deliberate. This line of questioning angered Carrington’s teammate DeWanna Bonner, who defended Carrington strongly. Bonner told Brennan, “You disrespected my teammate,” and added, “You attacked my teammate.” Brennan later recounted in her book On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports that Bonner also refused to shake her hand after the confrontation.
The situation intensified when Carrington reportedly informed Brennan that she had heard the reporter make comments about Brennan’s partner, NaLyassa Smith, being a bad teammate. Brennan clarified in her book that she was discussing the possibility of NaLyassa Smith being benched for Game 2, not casting personal judgment.
Implications for the Team and Future Outlook
DiJonai Carrington’s injury has been a significant blow for the Dallas Wings, already struggling with a thin lineup due to multiple absences. Her potential return could provide a crucial boost to the team, but the uncertainty around her recovery timeline means the Wings must continue managing without one of their stars for now. Meanwhile, the fallout from the media incidents highlights the tension between players and reporters during high-stakes playoff moments, reflecting the pressure the Wings and their opponents face this season.