The WNBA's rookie rivalry just got a whole lot spicier. When Olivia Miles and the Minnesota Lynx steamrolled Azzi Fudd and the Dallas Wings 100-76 on Tuesday night, the Lynx's social media team decided to highlight the top-two draft picks' stat lines in a side-by-side graphic. But Fudd's fanbase wasn't having it—and the post was yanked down faster than a contested jumper.
Miles, the No. 2 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, put on a clinic: 24 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. She's been on a tear all season, averaging 17.8 points on 53.2% shooting. Meanwhile, Fudd—the No. 1 pick from UConn—managed just six points in 30 minutes. Her season average of 11.4 points is solid, but she's yet to match Miles' nightly dominance.
After the final buzzer, Minnesota's official account posted a clean comparison graphic of the two rookies' stats. Within minutes, Fudd's supporters flooded the comments with fury, calling the post disrespectful and unsportsmanlike. The Lynx quickly deleted it.
But the broader WNBA community is crying foul—not at the graphic, but at the deletion. "Man an official account can't even post game stats without fans getting their feelings hurt. This is their first time watching sports tho so I guess we can't be too surprised," one fan tweeted. Another added, "This league is not serious. On what planet is the #1 and #2 picks not compared when they play against each other?"
The backlash has reignited debates about WNBA fan culture and sportsmanship. Some argue that comparing top draft picks is standard practice in professional sports—a way to track rookie development and fuel rivalries. Others see it as a cheap shot from an official team account after a blowout win. "Uconn fans the definition of dishing it and not being able to take it," one commenter wrote.
The incident also echoes broader tensions in women's basketball, where star players and their fanbases often clash over coverage and respect. Fudd, who came into the league with massive hype, has faced intense scrutiny, while Miles has quietly dominated. The Lynx's post may have been intended as a simple stat share, but it struck a nerve.
"Crying over stats in professional sports is pathetic. The WNBA isn't a church league for kids – it's professional players," another fan declared, summing up the sentiment of many who think the Lynx should have let the graphic stand.
For what it's worth, the rematch is already on the calendar: Dallas and Minnesota face off again on June 28. Expect a packed house and plenty of eyes on every Fudd-Miles possession. The rivalry is far from over—and this time, the social media team might want to think twice before hitting 'post.'
