Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington was a standout defender in the WNBA during the 2024 season.
Ranked ninth in steals with 61, Carrington’s elite on-ball defense was evident to anyone who watched her play.
Her “seatbelt” celebration became a trademark after big defensive plays for the Sun.
DIJONAI CARRINGTON SEALS THE GAME AND PUTS ON THE SEATBELT #WNBA pic.twitter.com/0JWFZQfzfI
— Tyler DeLuca (@TylerDeLuca) August 24, 2024
Carrington’s celebration gained popularity in the WNBA in 2024, but now NBA star Jaylen Brown has a similar celebration, sparking debate among fans.
Bleacher Report posted a video of Brown using a celebration akin to Carrington’s after a dunk on November 29.
JAYLEN BROWN POSTER 🤯 pic.twittercom/ehWu5fsfWm
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 30, 2024
Twitter user @HTXPEEZY’s response to Brown’s celebration sparked arguments about whether he was copying Carrington.
pls give Dijonai Carrington this celebration back he not even using it right lmao no aura. https://t.co/w0uw7x4pPM
— JP (@HTXPEEZY) November 30, 2024
Debates continue about Brown’s imitation of Carrington’s celebration.
Fans are divided on whether the celebration originated in football or if Carrington truly made it her own.
This is definitely not her celebration… she goes with one hand
Shoulder
Opposite waist
Same waist and shoulder
This one is the universal one
— Midnight Black (@Midnight_Givens) December 1, 2024
Fans recognize Carrington’s mark on the celebration and debate Brown’s execution of it.
That’s definitely her stamp on the game, JB gotta do it right if he gonna do it
— Darren ☀️ (@DarrenSTTB_) December 1, 2024
Fans expect to see more “seatbelt” celebrations from Carrington in the future, regardless of the ongoing debate.