WNBA Rookie Rankings: Olivia Miles makes a case for MVP, Azzi Fudd exits after season-ending surgery

Elsewhere, a healthy Kiki Rice is showing glimpses of being the Tempo's 'franchise player'

The top highlight from Wednesday night's showdown between the Minnesota Lynx and the Golden State Valkyries is something Golden State's Janelle Salaun will not want to see again.Olivia Miles, Minnesota's superstar rookie, crossed up Salaun into oblivion before she nailed a key 3-pointer midway through the fourth quarte

Olivia Miles had 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds before leaving midway through the fourth quarter with a left ankle injury, and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Golden State Valkyries 77-66 in a matchup of the WNBA’s top teams

Miles, favorite for Rookie of the Year and an MVP candidate, left the game against the league's No. 2 team late in the fourth quarter.

Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd is set for season-ending surgery on a sore knee that has sidelined this year's No. 1 overall pick for the past five games.

Azzi Fudd Season-Ending Knee Surgery Adds Layer to Olivia Miles Draft Debate  Sports Illustrated

Wings star rookie Azzi Fudd out for season with knee injury  ESPN

Azzi Fudd has been dealing with right knee soreness, and is now done for the rest of the 2026 campaign.

The Lynx handed their rookie point guard one of basketball’s hardest jobs. She has responded by running the league’s best team and challenging expectations for how quickly a young player can take charge.

Athletics left fielder Tyler Soderstrom will undergo hip surgery, ending his 2026 season prematurely.