‘Can’t Handle Defense Like [Caitlin Clark]’ — WNBA World Reacts As Lynx Phenom Olivia Miles Gets ‘Clamped Up’ vs. Valkyries

The Minnesota Lynx and Golden State Valkyries battled it out in a low-scoring clash on Monday at Target Center, with the Valkyries holding Minnesota to a season-low total, defeating them 80-66.

After the game, much of the fan discussion centered on Lynx rookie Olivia Miles, with many noting her struggles against a determined Valkyries defense.

WNBA Fans Compare Olivia Miles to Caitlin Clark After Struggle Against Golden State

The Valkyries made life difficult for Miles from the opening tip, forcing her into difficult shots and limiting her playmaking. The rookie finished with only 8 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds while shooting 3-of-12 from the field.

Miles also struggled from beyond the arc, making only 1 of 5 attempts, and recorded a game-high 4 turnovers, as the Lynx finished the night with 17 turnovers, a stark contrast to Golden State’s 6.

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Miles’ underwhelming performance quickly became a major talking point on social media, as some questioned whether the rookie could maintain her production when opposing defenses focus heavily on stopping her.

One observer brought in a Caitlin Clark comparison and took aim at Miles’ performance, writing, “Olives Miles got exposed when she gets defensive pressure…MVP? Lmao. She’s a fraud. She can’t handle defense like CC dealt with every game. She’s a low miles.”

Olives Miles got exposed when she get defensive pressure…MVP? Lmao. She’s a fraud. She can’t handle defense like CC dealt with every game.

She’s a low miles pic.twitter.com/WVoMwuTLPv

— Italian Rebel (@italianmafiasip) August 25, 2026

Another fan chimed in on the growing comparisons between Miles and Clark: “The ‘Olivia Miles is better than Caitlin Clark’ crowd is awfully quiet right now…..”

The “Olivia Miles is better than Caitlin Clark” crowd is awfully quiet right now…..

— Mike Wickett 🇺🇲🎙🏈🏀👨‍👧‍👧👩‍👦🚀 (@mikewickett) August 25, 2026

Another user shared a clip that appeared to show Miles complaining to the official and wrote: “Olivia Miles was clamped up tonight.”

Olivia Miles was clamped up tonight pic.twitter.com/hOCpLPJrZr

— HeHateMe (@_HeHateMee_) August 25, 2026

Another account reposted the same footage, using it to compare Miles’ struggles with the defensive attention Clark has faced.

“Olivia Miles, the best guard according to @trendyhoopstars, complaining the she’s being guarded too much. Yes this is what happens when your #1 Fake MVP is guarded like Caitlin Clark.”

One user praised Golden State for studying Miles’ approach in attacking the basket, while another wrote, “Olivia Miles finally gets a taste of the Caitlin Clark treatment.”

Olivia Miles finally gets a taste of the Caitlin Clark treatment https://t.co/0o1rwET5ip

— Jimni38 (@Jimni38) August 25, 2026

Sports media personality Robin Lundberg also weighed in on X, offering a blunt assessment of the rookie’s night.

“Probably the worst game I have seen Olivia Miles play,” he wrote.

Probably the worst game I have seen Olivia Miles play.

— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) August 25, 2026

Another WNBA observer focused on the defensive pressure: “Not everybody can tolerate that Caitlin Clark defensive effort from teams!! Olivia Miles saw it tonight and looked basic.”

One questioned whether Miles would receive the same criticism Clark has faced after low-scoring games, writing, “I wonder if the people that said Caitlin Clark can’t be MVP for having a 10 point game the other day will keep that same energy for this 8 point game by Olivia Miles.”

I wonder if the people that said Caitlin Clark can’t be MVP for having a 10 point game the other day will keep that same energy for this 8 point game by Olivia Miles pic.twitter.com/fl3iUEQkDG

— Jay (@STLLEGEND) August 25, 2026

For Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, however, Monday’s loss can be an important learning curve for Miles. “I want games like this for Liv as a rookie. We need games like this so that there’s learning that happens … That’s the kind of stuff that makes us a better team,” she said.

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Despite the criticism, Miles has built a strong case for herself during her rookie season. Last month, the 23-year-old became the fastest WNBA player to record 500 points and 150 assists, reaching both marks in only 26 games.

According to ESPN Insights, Miles reached the milestone faster than Paige Bueckers (28 games) and Clark (29 games).

With their six-game winning streak snapped, Minnesota remains 31-8 and will next face the Atlanta Dream on Sunday before taking a break until Sept. 18 for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.