It seems like each night we hear about another member of the Indiana Fever with an impressive box score overseas. Most have happened to be players entering free agency, and the same goes for the latest entry on this list.
NaLyssa Smith is the latest in a long line of Fever players who are making a big impact in Asia this offseason. A member of the WCBA's Zhejiang Golden Bulls, Smith went off against Fujian Thursday night.
Smith finished with 31 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, but what was most impressive was her efficiency. Smith hit 13 of her 15 shot attempts, and hit all five of her free throws. The 6-foot-4 forward is shooting at a 63.6% clip in five games with the Golden Bulls.
Smith has gotten progressively better since beginning her season in China on November 16. She has scored 20 points or more in her last three contests, recording a higher total in each (20, 23, 31).
Smith joins Kelsey Mitchell, Erica Wheeler, and Temi Fagbenle as Fever players showing out in Asia during the month of November. The Indiana Fever Report highlighted these performances over the previous two weeks.
These performances come at a great time for all players, but for Smith in particular. Smith has a year left on her contract, but after Indiana ended its season in September Smith removed the Fever from her Instagram bio.
New head coach Stephanie White also stated that her "Big 3" consisted of Caitlin Clark, Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston. White did not explicitly state that Smith was not a part of her plans, but she did not mention Smith at all and that sparked some controversy.
If Smith can continue her dominance overseas and smooth things over with the Fever, Indiana could be a force to be reckoned with in 2025.