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DiJonai Carrington · On May 14, 2024, the Connecticut Sun played host to one of WNBA history’s most highly-anticipated showdowns, with eyes of every kind determined to observe the debut of the Indiana Fever’s No. 22. Depending on one’s view, though, they may have had a difficult time seeing the 2024 No. 1 pick with DiJonai Carrington at her back, hounding her every move. Predictably assigned the night-to-night task of shadowing the opposition’s premier perimeter scorer, Carrington raises her focus to the elevated stage, checking Caitlin Clark at midcourt before enveloping her dribble path with a blur-quick pickpocket steal on the way to a fastbreak finish. Carrington’s brilliant defensive play helped jumpstart a 15-point second quarter lead on the way to a season-opening statement win. On Indiana’s shot creators like flies at a picnic, Connecticut forced 25 turnovers, picking up where they left off as 2023’s top-ranked defense. Blending her lockdown defense — a term her teammates referred to as “seat belt season" — with standout play on offense, the fourth-year guard was a star on the night, turning in 16 points, five rebounds, two steals, and one 3-pointer. · State of Mint · State of Mint