Yes, she’s the one wearing the goggles. But on Thursday night in College Park Center in Arlington, TX, all eyes will be on Olivia Miles.
The No. 2 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Miles has instantly impressed as the starting point guard for the Minnesota Lynx. The Dallas Wings, of course, won the No. 1 pick for the second-straight year, and opted for another UConn Husky, Azzi Fudd, over Miles.
When Minnesota visits Dallas on Thursday (8 p.m. ET, Prime Video), Miles has the opportunity to inspire plenty
of second guessing in Wings world. The idea that Liv, called “Baby Chelsea Gray” by teammate Courtney Williams, could have been dishing dimes that Paige finishes automatically? Sheesh!
It is, absolutely, too early to render a referendum on Dallas’ decision.
If drafted by the Wings, Miles likely wouldn’t have the leeway she has with the Lynx. And there should be little doubt that Fudd will eventually prove her value as one of the best off-ball shooters in the WNBA. Fudd missed the Wings’ home opening loss to the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday; she’s listed as questionable for Thursday night due to knee soreness.
Nevertheless, when the sample sizes are small, the reactions tend to be large and loud. A Miles masterpiece for Minnesota would be a megaphone.
Thus far, she’s averaging 17 points, 7.5 and 4.5 in just under 30 minutes per game. She’s also getting to line, earning 12 free throws through two games, while posting a 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. She’s been that good, even as her 3-ball has yet to fall.
Miles will not be the only player with a statement-making opportunity on Thursday evening.
This offseason, both Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard chose to sign with the Wings instead of remaining with the Lynx, possibly due to Minnesota not furnishing them with the more generous contract offers presented by Dallas.
Smith’s start in Dallas has been rocky, with moments that showcase her co-Defensive Player of the Year impact balanced by foul trouble and inefficient offense. Shepard, installed as starter for the first time in her career, has compiled the kind of box-score impact she had when given extended opportunity in Minnesota, averaging 12.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and six assists in more than 31 minutes across Dallas’ two games.
What are your expectations for this game?
Will Miles again be sensational, or is she due for a rookie stinker? Can Lan stay out of foul trouble and make an impact? Will Shepard maintain her efficient production against her former team? And due to all these connections, could this become a bit of a rivalry?
Will the Fire again light up the Liberty?
On Tuesday, the New York Liberty’s #LIGHTITUPNYL mantra described what the Portland Fire did to New York’s defense.
Portland’s 98-96 win, earned via Sarah Ashlee Barker’s putback buzzer beater, was the second-most efficient offensive performance of the season across the league, with the Fire racking up an offensive rating of 124.1. Sure, the Liberty also scored at will on the Fire, registering a 121.5 offensive rating, the fourth-best of the season, in the two-point loss.
The Fire, however, are an expansion team, one that is intentionally prioritizing the development of their offensive system over wins (or defense). The Liberty want to win a championship. Even as they remain less than whole, with Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally sidelined with injuries and Leonie Fiebich still overseas, New York has high standards that they must maintain.
Yet, reaching them in their current state likely requires the Liberty to ask even more of Breanna Stewart, already overtaxed in this young season. Stewie has approached 40 minutes in New York’s last two games, an overtime win in Washington and the last-second loss in Portland.
To avenge that loss in the rematch with the Fire on Thursday (10 p.m. ET, Prime Video), first-year head coach Chris DeMarco might again have to ask too much of his two-time MVP. That her scoring efficiency was subpar on Tuesday, while her 3-pointer remains absent, is not an encouraging sign three games into a season in which the plan was to ease the burden on Stewart.
As it always is difficult to beat the same team two times in a row, regardless of the quality of the opponent, it would be surprising if the Fire again took down the Liberty, even with all these concerns. In all likelihood, a more motivated and still more talented New York side will take care of business, and hopefully with Stewart logging around 30 minutes.
What are your thoughts? Do you expect New York to win big? Are you worried that the team is again too dependent on Stewie? Among the Liberty, who needs to step up? Or, are you more focused on the Fire? Which players have impressed you so far in this new team context?
