DiJonai Carrington has had a few days to reflect on the incident that overshadowed the Chicago Sky’s home game against the Indiana Fever. The Sky guard found herself at the center of much controversy on Saturday after a physical play with Sophie Cunningham changed the complexion of the game.
Carrington had been providing Chicago with a spark before the incident, scoring eight points in the first quarter before the foul. Officials upgraded her foul on Cunningham to a Flagrant 2 upon review, ejecting her from the game. The Sky ultimately fell 90-86 after the Fever held off multiple comeback efforts.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Ahead of Monday’s game against the Seattle Storm, Carrington offered her side of the play, making it clear that she never intended to hurt Cunningham.
“I’m never gonna let an open layup just be had,” Carrington said. She pointed to clips from previous seasons to explain that she has made the same type of defensive play before.
She acknowledged that the contact with Cunningham was unfortunate, particularly because of where she made contact, but stressed that it was “never intentional.”
Carrington is available for Chicago’s matchup with the Storm, although she will come off the bench. The six-year veteran, who recently returned from injury, is averaging 9.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game this season.
Carrington joined Chicago this offseason after spending her first four WNBA seasons with the Connecticut Sun before splitting time with the Dallas Wings and Minnesota Lynx in 2025.
The Sky (12-20) sit 11th in the WNBA and are seeking to advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2023.
