Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase clearly watched the film from June 4 when Minnesota Lynx’s Olivia Miles set a WNBA rookie record with 8 3-pointers, torching the Valkyries for 28 points in a narrow Lynx win.
When the two teams met again Friday night at Chase Center, Nakase’s defensive game plan for Miles worked, at least on paper.
After the rookie phenom’s recent hot streak, an unimpressive offensive showing from Miles naturally sparked reactions across the WNBA community.
Olivia Miles’ Offensive Dip vs. Golden State Sparks ‘Caitlin Clark Treatment’ Claims
Miles was completely stifled offensively in Minnesota’s 81-75 win.
The No. 2 pick had the worst shooting night of her young professional career, finishing 1-for-10 from the floor with 7 points and 6 turnovers.
It was a jarring stat line for someone who dropped 31 points on the Los Angeles Sparks just two days prior and has firmly inserted herself into the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Miles had been scoring at a historic clip this season. She recently joined Paige Bueckers as the fastest player to record 250 points and 50 assists in the league, and also broke the rookie record for points in a half (24) against Los Angeles.
A defensive counterpunch was inevitable. Reactions poured in as Miles’ offensive dip also brought in claims about the 23-year-old’s underwhelming play.
“Olivia Miles getting cooked on defense the same way they were going at Caitlin. No one saying [expletive],” recording artist White Gold posted.
Olivia Miles getting cooked on defense the same way they were going at Caitlin. No one saying shit
— White Gold (@iknowWhiteGold) June 20, 2026
“Olivia miles is a good point guard but she’s just in a better coached team literally catered to her strengths. Caitlin would literally destroy the league if she played in that system! Enough said!!” one user asserted.
“Yall been waiting on the blitzes. Olivia got blitzed first play of the game,” another account bluntly remarked.
Yall been waiting on the blitzes. Olivia got blitzed first play of the game
— SSN Jay-O (@Jay_3shifty) June 20, 2026
“I like Olivia Miles a lot but ain’t it crazy how rough her half was getting the Caitlin Clark defensive treatment,” one user chimed in.
I like Olivia Miles a lot but ain’t it crazy how rough her half was getting the Caitlin Clark defensive treatment 🤷🏻 #WNBA
— Osteen Sosa ⚜️ (@OSTEEN_SOSA1) June 20, 2026
With their standout rookie neutralized, veteran Courtney Williams stepped up with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Nia Coffey added 22 points, while Kayla McBride poured in 17 to help the Lynx to an 81-75 win.
Despite all the criticism, Miles delivered the defining defensive play of the night. Golden State had trimmed Minnesota’s lead to 77-75 with 21.8 seconds remaining.
The Valkyries pushed the pace, looking for an equalizer. Miles read the floor and rotated perfectly to swat a crucial attempt from Cecilia Zandalasini in the dying seconds.
It was Miles’ third block and a game-winning rejection to help secure Minnesota’s 13th win of the season.
After surviving the Valkyries, she will have a chance to shake off the poor shooting performance when Minnesota returns to the Target Center to host the Washington Mystics on Sunday.
