Every rookie eagerly waits for their “Welcome to the W” moment once they step into the league. Looks like Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles just had hers when she faced Indiana Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell, leaving her absolutely in awe.
Miles was blown away by Mitchell as the WNBA’s best offense faced the league’s second-best defense. On August 2, 2026, the Fever faced the Lynx, who won 108-100 after a back-and-forth game. The game against a side that had three All-Star players was especially eye-opening for the rookie Lynx guard. Unsurprisingly, Miles was particularly impressed by Mitchell, who ended up scoring the most points among both sides on the night. Speaking to ESPN‘s Holly Rowe before going into the tunnel for halftime, Miles made a candid on-court admission.
Miles said, “I’m just kind of in awe watching her. Like, this is lowkey my ‘Welcome to the W’ moment just trying to guard her.”
The battle between Mitchell and Miles completely dominated the first half of the Sunday game. They both scored 23 points in the first half, matching shot for shot in a historic duel. However, the Lynx led 64-53 at halftime.
In a 108-100 victory over Indiana, Miles recorded four rebounds, six assists, and a team-high 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting (78.6 percent). Most of her damage came in the first half of the game. According to ESPN Insights, Miles scored or assisted on 36 of the team’s 64 first-half points (56 percent). She went 6-of-7 off the dribble and 8-of-10 on contested shots.
Four-time WNBA All-Star Mitchell has enough reasons to impress Miles. Mitchell made every effort to keep Indiana in the running even though they lost the game. Despite the outcome, she didn’t let her fans down. The Fever guard got one rebound, three assists, and a game-high 37 points on 14-of-21 shooting, including six three-pointers.
“You’re so tough, man. Oh my God, Jesus,” Miles said in admiration.
Mitchell is recognized as one of the WNBA’s top scorers. After having to defend Mitchell throughout the game, Miles naturally showed respect to the veteran guard.
Mitchell has had a fantastic season so far. She averages 23.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steals per game this season. She leads the Fever squad in scoring. Her usage rate of 26.2%, according to the WNBA website, underscores Indiana’s dependence on her playmaking.
Olivia Miles Ignores Caitlin Clark Question To Praise Her Fever Teammate Kelsey Mitchell
If we focus on the question of Miles’ response praising Mitchell, one would also see the rookie guard completely dismissing another star Fever guard: Caitlin Clark.
Two of the finest WNBA teams faced off over the weekend. Minnesota, headed by Miles and the newly returning Napheesa Collier, encountered Clark, Mitchell, and Indiana.
The Sunday game was a battle through and through. Indiana gave it their all to put the brakes on Minnesota’s lead at several junctures of the game. However, the Fever failed to maintain the momentum and ultimately lost to the Lynx.
Given this was the first time Clark and Miles faced each other, ESPN‘s Rowe didn’t miss the opportunity to ask the Lynx rookie guard what she felt going up against one of the most popular names in the league. Miles made no comments regarding Clark and chose to praise the Fever’s other veteran guard instead, who was scorching the Lynx in the first half.
The rookie Lynx guard added, “It’s so fun playing with great guards. Kelsey Mitchell is really the one that’s killing us right now.”
The 23-year-old said that since she was assigned to guard Mitchell, she was more preoccupied with her.
