Sophie Cunningham Goes Viral For Saying Lynx Player Olivia Miles ‘Literally Plays Like A Dude’ Amid Trans Athlete Debate

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has gone viral for complimenting Minnesota Lynx youngster Olivia Miles, saying that she “literally plays like a dude.”

The wording has certainly made headlines. It’s easy to see how those exact words would raise eyebrows with the WNBA’s ongoing transgender debate. Cunningham has built a reputation as one of the league’s most outspoken players.

Miles is averaging just under 20 points a game, along with 6.0 assists and 4.6 rebounds.

Despite the interesting word choice, Cunningham quickly doubled down and made it clear it was a compliment. She has also said she believes the league’s athleticism is improving, citing more dunks and a faster game.

“She is a rookie. Like she’s killing it and she literally plays like a dude and that is no disrespect. Like that is one of the highest compliments you can ever get,” said Cunningham.

Miles has received praise from others too. Kayla McBride described Miles as “generational.”

Sue Bird highlighted Miles’ self-belief and determination.

She is the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 400 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists. She completed this feat in just 22 games.

Miles is the undoubted favorite, potentially a unanimous choice, for Rookie of the Year. Even with other young stars like Azzi Fudd and Kiki Rice having good seasons, Miles has been doing things that no player has done before, which is the reason for such high praise from Cunningham.

With the playoffs starting in around a month, Miles has led the Lynx to the current top spot in the league.

Cunningham and co-star Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever sit 5th in the standings.

Miles’ stardom is already known around the league, but they are true title contenders, which would raise her pedigree even more.