Olivia Miles Reflects on Azzi Fudd Rivalry After Dominant Rookie Showcase

The Minnesota Lynx continued their dominant start to the WNBA season with a convincing 100-76 win over the Dallas Wings on Tuesday. Even without star forward Napheesa Collier available, Minnesota controlled the game from start to finish behind a strong all-around team effort.

A key storyline from the night was the highly anticipated rookie matchup between Olivia Miles and Azzi Fudd, two players linked throughout the 2026 WNBA Draft process. Both guards entered the league with high expectations, and their first major head-to-head meeting delivered on attention.

Miles not only helped lead Minnesota to another victory but also outperformed Fudd statistically, showcasing her ability to contribute across multiple categories in a high-profile setting. The game added another layer to what is shaping up to be a compelling rookie rivalry.

Despite the competitive spotlight, Miles made it clear after the game that there is no personal tension between the two players, emphasizing mutual respect built over years of playing against each other.

1. Respect Beyond the Draft Order

Following the game, Miles addressed the conversation around Fudd being selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Her response was direct, acknowledging both Fudd’s talent and her place atop the draft class. She described Fudd as a “brilliant shooter” and said she fully deserved to be taken first overall, emphasizing that her success was widely expected. Miles framed the draft outcome as a reflection of Fudd’s skill rather than any slight toward herself or others in the class. Rather than focusing on draft positioning, Miles highlighted her own competitive mindset, noting that every game presents an opportunity to prove herself regardless of opponent or storyline. She also pointed out that Minnesota’s focus remains collective, with the team driven by internal goals rather than external comparisons.

2. A Standout Performance on the Court

Miles backed up her words with one of her strongest performances of the season, leading the Lynx with 24 points on efficient shooting. She finished 7-of-10 from the field, displaying confidence and control throughout the game. Beyond scoring, she contributed across the board with seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block in 31 minutes of action. Her versatility played a major role in Minnesota’s ability to maintain control against Dallas. The performance reinforced her growing reputation as one of the most complete rookies in the league. She consistently impacted multiple facets of the game rather than relying solely on scoring. Her ability to influence winning on both ends of the floor continues to be a key factor in Minnesota’s strong start to the season.

3. Familiar Rivalry Dating Back Years

Miles also reflected on her long-standing competitive history with Fudd, noting that their matchups date back to their youth basketball days. The familiarity between them added context to their first professional meeting. She described the matchup as enjoyable and meaningful, pointing out that competing against someone from the same draft class creates a unique sense of continuity from earlier stages of their careers. Both players reportedly acknowledged each other before the game, reinforcing the mutual respect that has developed over years of competition at different levels. As the season continues, both rookies are expected to play central roles for their respective teams, with their rivalry likely to remain a recurring storyline in the WNBA landscape.