The Minnesota Lynx improved their chances of reaching the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship after blowing out the Portland Fire on Monday, 107-74. Seven players scored in double digits for Minnesota, led by Natasha Howard‘s 18 points.
Rookie Olivia Miles, the second overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, also contributed significantly in the win. She recorded 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting, along with four rebounds, five assists and three steals.
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Miles certainly further improved her case for winning Rookie of the Year with her latest performance. She’s now averaging 18.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles (5) looks on during a game.Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
However, it wasn’t all positive for the top WNBA rookie. The 23-year-old actually received the first technical foul of her professional career after making a highlight play.
After stealing the ball with under eight minutes left, Miles outran Fire guard Sarah Ashlee Barker and scored on a layup. Surprisingly, the first-year guard stared down Barker and appeared to talk trash, prompting the referee to assess her a technical foul.
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As a result, the WNBA is expected to fine Miles $500 for her actions. As the league rules state, a player’s first three technical fouls each carry a $500 fine.
Furthermore, the fourth through seventh technical fouls carry fines of $1,000 each, while every tech thereafter results in a $1,500 and a one-game suspension.
The Lynx have only played 14 games this season, and with 30 more matchups remaining in the regular season, Miles definitely needs to be more careful about taunting her opponents.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
