When the Minnesota Lynx roll into College Park Center on Thursday night, one player will command the spotlight—and she's the one wearing goggles.
Olivia Miles, the No. 2 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, has wasted no time making an impact as the Lynx's starting point guard. But here's the twist: the Dallas Wings had the No. 1 pick for the second straight year and chose UConn's Azzi Fudd over Miles. That decision is already fueling plenty of conversation around the league.
Thursday's matchup (8 p.m. ET, Prime Video) gives Miles a prime opportunity to make Dallas rethink that choice. Teammate Courtney Williams has already nicknamed her "Baby Chelsea Gray," and fans are imagining what it would be like if Miles were setting up Paige Bueckers instead of facing her. The idea alone is enough to spark debate in Wings territory.
Of course, it's far too early to judge Dallas's decision. If Miles had landed with the Wings, she might not have the same freedom she enjoys in Minnesota's system. And Fudd, when healthy, is one of the league's premier off-ball shooters—though she missed Tuesday's home opener against Atlanta and is listed as questionable for Thursday due to knee soreness.
Still, in a league where small sample sizes fuel big reactions, a standout performance from Miles would be impossible to ignore. So far, she's averaging 17 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in under 30 minutes per game. She's also drawn 12 free throws through two contests and boasts a stellar 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. The only thing missing? Her three-point shot, which hasn't quite found its rhythm yet.
Miles won't be the only player with something to prove. This offseason, Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard chose to sign with the Wings instead of staying in Minnesota, adding another layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup.
Whether you're a Lynx fan, a Wings supporter, or just love watching future stars rise, Thursday night is must-see basketball. And for those of us who appreciate the game's finer details—like how a rookie point guard can shift the entire narrative of a season—this is the kind of game that reminds us why we love the WNBA.