Lynx Coach Made Strong Olivia Miles Statement After Road Victory

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WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 21: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx celebrates after a play against the Washington Mystics during the first quarter at CareFirst Arena on August 21, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

There is no one that is stopping the Minnesota Lynx during their incredible run of late, and the good vibes continued with a 94-84 win over the Washington Mystics on Friday night.

To the surprise of no one, Lynx rookie sensation Olivia Miles led the way with 24 points. Miles also added 7 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals in the victory.

That performance from Miles only made the WNBA MVP conversation that much louder for her. Miles’ head coach made sure to get her message across the league after the game.

Minnesota Lynx Head Coach on Olivia Miles Being MVP

After the game, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve spoke with the media when she was asked about Miles and being the MVP. Reeve made it clear that her rookie has to be part of that conversation.

“You have a 31-7 team … If Olivia Miles doesn’t play, we’re not 31-7, and so, to me, I think MVP awards should go to teams that are at the top, especially if that player, if she’s not out there, we have a hard time being where we are.”

Cassidy Hettesheimer

@cassidyhett · Follow

Cheryl Reeve, asked about Olivia Miles as both a ROTY and MVP candidate: “You have a 31-7 team … If Olivia Miles doesn’t play, we’re not 31-7, and so, to me, I think MVP awards should go to teams that are at the top, especially if that player, if she’s not out there …”

9:58 pm · 21 Aug 2026

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Miles’ incredible rookie campaign continued with that performance helping her season stats. In 36 games, she is averaging 20 points, 6.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. She made the WNBA All-Star Game in her first season in the league.

Olivia Miles’ MVP Conversation is Getting Louder By the Day

There’s no denying anymore that Miles has to be in the MVP conversation. Other players like Las Vegas Aces‘ A’ja Wilson and Indiana Fever guards Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell are in it too, but Miles should be a part of it as well.

Miles is doing a lot of the same things those other players are doing. Her scoring, passing, and rebounding might be better than most guards in the WNBA right now.

As the number two overall pick, no one could have seen this coming for her, but she’s taken the league by storm. She’s proven she will be a WNBA star for a long time.

The season might almost be over for the Lynx, but Miles still has a chance to break multiple rookie records. Expect her to shatter them in the next few weeks before the playoffs.