Overview
- The Minnesota Lynx beat the Washington Mystics 94-84 on Aug. 21, improving to 31-7 while Olivia Miles scored 24 points, dished seven assists and had three steals in 29 minutes.
- After the game, coach Cheryl Reeve told reporters that the Lynx would not be 31-7 without Miles, explicitly arguing that her impact merits inclusion in MVP discussions.
- Miles has produced All-Star rookie numbers across the season, averaging about 20 points, 6.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 36 games.
- Minnesota’s success is driven by a veteran supporting cast—including Natasha Howard, Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams—that lets Miles create for others without carrying every possession.
- National commentators, including ESPN’s Myron Medcalf, have amplified Miles’ case and her rise could shift how voters weigh team success and youth when choosing the WNBA MVP.