Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles is the frontrunner for the 2026 WNBA ‘Rookie of the Year’ award. Throughout the current season, Miles has yet to miss a game while averaging outstanding numbers of 18.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in around 30.6 minutes per contest. While the race for the award remains competitive with players such as Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd stacking her case up, Miles remains in front to win it.
Unfortunately for the former TCU Horned Frogs star, she is dealing with a minor setback. Miles is set to miss her first-ever game due to a right calf injury in the WNBA on Monday, July 6. In a report by WNBA insider Cassidy Hettesheimer on X, Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve explained the decision behind sitting Miles out. According to the tenured tactician, Reeve and her staff are making sure that Miles’ injury does not worsen.
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“Those that were in tune to the last game, you know, she mentioned feeling some cramping, and you know, I think ultimately it wasn’t a cramp, and so we’re kind of taking the next step of imaging and that sort of thing, and trying to get a final answer, exactly what we’re dealing with,” Reeve was quoted as saying.
The Lynx are taking on coach Rachid Meziane’s Connecticut Sun on their home floor without Miles. Coach Reeve and company will have to rely on veterans such as forward Natasha Howard and guard Courtney Williams for now, especially since Miles is leading the team in scoring in her first year. Minnesota currently has an overall record of 15-5, good for the first seed in the Western Conference.
Olivia Miles put up 14 points in her last game despite dealing with cramps
Prior to the Minnesota Lynx taking on the Connecticut Sun, they lost to the New York Liberty on Friday by 13 points, 99-86, in away territory. There were many onlookers for the game, since it was a rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals. Despite the loss, Olivia Miles still put up 14 points, five rebounds, five assists, and a steal in 26 minutes of playing time. On the flip side, Liberty forward Breanna Stewart put up a game-high 36 points.
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It was later reported that Miles actually suffered from cramping during the game. After all, Miles merely played 26 minutes, which is less than her season average of 30.6 minutes a game. The cramping Miles dealt with may have led to her right calf injury. There is currently no timetable for Miles’ return, but signs point towards a quick recovery.
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