Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles is producing an unprecedented first-year campaign where she is already hanging with the best the WNBA has to offer. The young talent is currently second in the 2026 regular-season MVP race, just behind reigning MVP A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces. This comes as Miles has become one of the focal points of the Lynx system, with her veterans welcoming her with open arms. Among the veterans is long-time Lynx star Napheesa Collier, who came back in the middle of the season after going through her injury recovery process. In a video uploaded by Lynx insider Andrew Dukowitz on X/Twitter on Thursday, Collier was asked during her recent media availability about what the biggest adjustment has been since her return.
“I think the biggest adjustment is Liv,” Collier said. “Like, I’ve never played with a player like her before. I think our other players, like, I have played with similar people. We’re all very hardworking. We’re all very system-based. But just the way that Liv plays, like, she can attack in so many different ways, like the way that she can. Her passing ability, things like that, I’ve never played with a player like that. So, that is an adjustment.”
“It’s a fun adjustment, something I’ve never done before. So, that’s probably like getting on pace with her,” she continued.
Miles is in the race for the MVP award with averages of 19.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game. What has been helping her case as well is that the Lynx (31-8) are the top team in the Western Conference and the WNBA overall. They have clinched a playoff spot, which will further test Miles’ ability to perform on the bigger stages.
Kayla McBride explained what sets Olivia Miles apart from other WNBA rookies
In another video uploaded by Andrew Dukowitz on X/Twitter from the same media availability, Kayla McBride was asked for her thoughts on Olivia Miles. McBride recalled a game against the Washington Mystics earlier in the season when Miles took over and won the game for the Minnesota Lynx. McBride shared that from that moment on, she knew how different Miles was from other WNBA rookies.
“First of all, she has a motor. She’s competitive,” McBride said (Timestamp: 0:23). “But she wants that moment. I think as a rookie, it’s kind of hard to find that, like, the confidence to want that moment whether you fail or succeed, like, in the game. I was like, ‘She’s different, she’s different.'”
Coach Cheryl Reeve’s Lynx squad is scheduled to visit the Atlanta Dream next on Sunday.
Read More:
Napheesa Collier Brings “Child-Like Fun” to the Game, Lynx Rookie Olivia Miles Says
WNBA Reporter Proposes Massive Napheesa Collier Trade
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!