Olivia Miles Powers Lynx to 77-66 Win Over Valkyries With 20 Points

Q: After dismantling the league's top defense, could a late-game ankle injury suddenly threaten Olivia Miles' historic rookie season?

Yes — it could disrupt Olivia Miles’ rookie season, but there is not yet evidence that it will derail it. The immediate concern is real. Miles rolled her left ankle in the fourth quarter after stepping on Napheesa Collier’s foot, stayed down in pain, went to the bench, briefly headed to the tunnel, and did not return. Coach Cheryl Reeve said only that Miles “tweaked” it and had no update after the game, so the severity remains unknown. What makes it more significant is the timing and context. Miles is in the middle of a historically strong rookie year, with reports noting she has moved to third in WNBA history in rookie points and is the clear Rookie of the Year favorite while also drawing MVP consideration. She is also central to a Lynx team chasing the No. 1 seed at 30-7. Any missed time now could affect both her final numbers and Minnesota’s rhythm entering the playoffs. There are also reasons not to overstate it. Miles was later seen in good spirits, though limping, and there has been no report of a fracture or a season-ending diagnosis. Minnesota is playoff-bound and deep enough that Reeve may choose caution, especially with Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride available. Miles also previously rolled the same left ankle and avoided a long absence. So the injury suddenly introduces risk to a historic season, but the real threat depends entirely on the medical evaluation over the next 24 to 48 hours. Until then, concern is justified, panic is not.

3 articles · Updated · Defector · Aug 20

Minnesota never trailed in a 77-66 win over Golden State as Olivia Miles carved up the WNBA's top defense for 20 points and seven assists in 30 minutes.
Miles missed only two shots, hit 3 of 5 from deep and committed just two turnovers, a sharp contrast to how disruptive the Valkyries had been against opposing guards.
A 26-foot step-back 3 with 5:43 left halted Golden State's comeback after the Valkyries had trimmed a 22-point Lynx lead to single digits, pushing Minnesota back ahead by 12.
The outing reinforced Miles' rapid growth as a scorer: after opening the season 2-for-18 from 3, she has shot 44% from deep on nearly five attempts per game since a breakout performance against Golden State.