The Minnesota Lynx recorded their fifth consecutive win after dominating the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. However, one of their most dominant wins of the season came with bad news for their star rookie, and it may even affect their form with just seven games left before the playoffs. While Napheesa Collier delivered another solid performance since returning from her own ankle surgeries, they also lost star rookie Olivia Miles to an ankle injury.

“I think just taking my time, being poised in the paint. They’re not bringing two, so it’s a lot easier,” Collier told USA Sports after the win.

In a 77-66 win over the Valkyries, Collier contributed with 18 points and 8 rebounds. The star forward didn’t play her best game, but coming off back-to-back surgeries, she seemed to have gained some offensive rhythm.

Last season, Collier was the centerpiece of the Lynx on both ends of the floor. Defenses often doubled her to slow them down. However, Miles’ presence on the floor poses another scoring threat for the defense and has forced them to refrain from double-teaming Collier.

While it was a statement win over the 2nd-ranked Valkyries, Miles’ injury could become a big headache for the league’s best team. The star rookie had another spectacular performance before she exited the game with an ankle injury.

With over four minutes remaining in the last period, Miles was defending Valkyries’ Veronica Burton when she appeared to roll her ankle after stepping on Collier’s foot in an attempt to defend the pass. Miles hobbled toward the baseline in severe pain.

The rookie guard stayed down on the floor before she was helped to the bench by her team’s staff. 

The reason Miles’ injury could affect the league leaders for the remaining regular-season games and the playoffs is that she has been leading her team since the start of the season. Despite Collier’s absence for the first half of the 2026 season, Miles helped Minnesota remain at the top of the league.

Despite being a rookie, Olivia Miles took to the leadership position like a natural and has already broken multiple rookie season records. She has already become the fastest WNBA player to 300 points and 100 assists, 500 points and 150 assists, as well as 650 points and 200 assists, breaking Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers’ records along the way.

For now, there is no verdict on the gravity of Miles’ injury, and the Lynx will have to wait another day to get a proper perspective on their season going forward.

HC Cheryl Reeve gives a fresh update on Olivia Miles

The win over the Valkyries, a team with the second-best record in the league, was a peek into the abysmal gap between the Lynx and the rest of the league, and Miles was perhaps the biggest factor in their domination. The status of her injury could swing Minnesota’s season in either direction.

Lynx’s head coach Cheryl Reeve’s response in the postgame presser could cause anxiety among Minnesota fans. 

“She did tweak it, but I don’t have any idea where it’s at,” Reeve told reporters in a video posted by Andrew Dukowitz on X. “I haven’t seen the play yet. So obviously we’re hoping that she’s okay.”

The injury in her left ankle is perhaps what should truly concern the Lynx. Previously, Miles had rolled the same ankle in their only loss in the last 16 games, against the Sparks on July 15. She had briefly exited the game, but returned to the game.

The Lynx have been the hottest team in the league since the season began. Lately, they have been hotter, losing just one game in the last 16 contests, and Miles has been their key player. 

Miles has been averaging 19.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Without her, the Lynx will have to shift offensive focus and playmaking to Collier and Courtney Williams. A sudden change in roles could disrupt them at the tail end of the regular season. So the Lynx will hope for good news from the MRI result.