Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles delivered another impressive performance Wednesday night before leaving the team’s 77-66 victory over the Golden State Valkyries with a left ankle injury.
Miles had scored 20 points and added seven assists and five rebounds before exiting midway through the fourth quarter. The injury occurred when she stepped on teammate Napheesa Collier’s foot.
The Lynx held on to defeat the Valkyries at Chase Center, maintaining their position as the WNBA’s top team and extending their perfect record against Golden State to nine victories in nine meetings since the Valkyries entered the league.
Miles shines before injury
Miles was one of the main reasons Minnesota established control early.
The second overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft repeatedly found openings in Golden State’s defense and helped the Lynx build a commanding lead. Along with Collier and Kayla McBride, she powered Minnesota’s offense as the team moved ahead by as many as 22 points.
Her night ended abruptly in the fourth quarter when she appeared to hurt her left ankle. Miles left the court and did not return.
The Lynx were able to protect their lead despite the rookie’s departure.
Injury becomes immediate concern
The biggest question surrounding Minnesota now is the severity of Miles’ injury.
As of Thursday morning, there was no indication that the Lynx had announced a definitive timetable for her return. The team is expected to provide further information after evaluating the ankle.
The timing is particularly important with the playoffs approaching. Minnesota is pursuing the WNBA’s No. 1 seed and home-court advantage throughout the postseason. The Lynx have continued to establish themselves as one of the league’s strongest teams, making Miles’ health an important part of their playoff outlook.
Another setback after a standout rookie season
Miles has quickly become one of the WNBA’s most talked-about rookies.
Selected No. 2 overall by Minnesota in April, she has emerged as a major contributor for a team with championship ambitions. Her combination of scoring, passing and playmaking has made her an important part of the Lynx’s attack.
Her performance against Golden State was another example of that impact making the injury an especially concerning development for Minnesota.
Lynx maintain control
Despite losing Miles, Minnesota finished the job against a Valkyries team that had already secured a playoff berth.
Golden State rallied after falling behind by 22, cutting the deficit to seven in the fourth quarter, but the Lynx ultimately pulled away again.
For Minnesota, the victory was valuable in the race for the top seed. But the team’s attention now shifts to Miles.
A favorable injury evaluation would give the Lynx reason for optimism. A prolonged absence, however, could significantly alter their plans as the postseason approaches.
For now, Minnesota has the victory but the health of its standout rookie may be the bigger story coming out of San Francisco.
Source: usatoday
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