The tables seem to be turning, simultaneously, for the Indiana Fever as they pick up the pace of the season with their recent victories. In that same essence, they handed Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury a home loss in their first-ever game together this season. Though Fever’s performance was top-notch in the matchup, what caught the attention of many was Smith’s words for Griner.

Smith, a former forward at Baylor, can’t help but give Griner her flowers after their matchup. Let’s check what Smith had to say for the 2014 WNBA Champion.

Brittney Griner as an idol to NaLyssa Smith

It was only yesterday when Brittney Griner was praising the LA Sparks’ Dearica Hamby on her growth in the WNBA and today she has been applauded by the one walking on the same path. NaLyssa Smith talked about how Brittney Griner has been an inspiration in her basketball career. “Yeah, for sure, BG especially, I went to Baylor so, down there she is a Baylor legend. I looked up to her a lot. She’s been like part of this journey. She is always encouraging me and just giving me words of encouragement, stuff like that. So, she is a big help for my career,” Smith said in the postgame interview.

In her 4-year career at Baylor, Brittney Griner garnered 3,283 points, 1,305 rebounds, 748 blocks, 18 dunks, and a field goal percentage of .569. She set a 135-15 at Baylor and a 60-8 record in the Big 12 conference.

She is one of the few WNBA players with an NCAA women’s record of 18 dunks. Moreover, Griner registered 6 Big 12 conference titles, four NCAA Tournament trips, an NCAA Championship, and two Final Four appearances under her name.

Since then, Griner has come a long way and made an indelible impact as one of WNBA’s successful players. And ever since Smith’s rookie year in the W, she has had insightful moments with Griner. As a result, Smith’s game is somewhat influenced by Griner.

NaLyssa Smith emerging on the offensive

In her third season in the W, NaLyssa Smith, the 6-foot-4 forward is gradually emerging on the offensive end in the games. Registering her 4th double-double of the season, Smith is averaging 7.5 rebounds per game, alongside 11.8 points and 1.4 assists.

Previously, Smith had shed some light on how Griner had given her some advice to work on her gameplay. “We had a little communication when she was in the league, and she was telling me things that I should work on, and we were always talking about how we should get in the gym together and work out,” said Smith.

Griner, with a 6-foot-9 body frame, is one of the two active players to have dunked in a game. The other player is Liberty’s Jonquel Jones who holds the record for most career dunks at 26. Griner, on the other hand, has recently returned from a foot injury. As a result, she is not rushing into anything, although she has started to dunk during practice sessions. So, maybe fans will get to see her back in her moves.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.