Olivia Miles has been one of the breakout stories of the WNBA season, and she is not shy about explaining what sets her game apart from the rest of the league.
In a recent sit-down interview with ESPN’s Andraya Carter, the Minnesota Lynx star broke down exactly what makes her style so recognizable.
Lynx Star Olivia Miles Breaks Down Her Play Style
“I think I play up tempo, pace, flashy, kind of swaggy in there as well. I think it’s unique. I don’t think a lot of people play like me, which is what I love and I cherish about my game. And I take a lot of pride in helping my teammates be better,” Miles said.
Olivia Miles on her style of play:
“I think I play up tempo, pace, flashy, kind of swaggy in there as well. I think it’s unique. I don’t think a lot of people play like me, which is what I love and I cherish about my game. And I take a lot of pride in helping my teammates be… pic.twitter.com/n9Yj5lXq3Q
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“I had a lot of coaches growing up who kind of encouraged that and allowed me to do it in the game if I showed them I can do it in practice. I was around a lot of motivators who allowed me to be kind of be me in practice and try things and be crazy or be flashy but Cheryl always tells me that keep it simple.”
Lynx HC Cheryl Reeve’s emphasis on simplicity has clearly become part of how Miles is learning to blend her natural flair with the discipline needed at the professional level.
That balance has been on full display throughout her rookie season, as Miles stepped into a larger role following an injury to star forward Napheesa Collier and quickly became one of the most talked-about players in the league.
Miles earned WNBA Rookie of the Month honors in May after averaging 15.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, and she has continued to build on that momentum since. In a win over the Golden State Valkyries, she posted a career-high 28 points to go with a rookie-record eight three-pointers, seven assists, four rebounds, and three blocks.
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She became the first rookie in WNBA history to record 25 or more points and eight or more made threes in a single regular-season game. Her eight three-pointers also broke the previous rookie record of seven, set by Caitlin Clark and Crystal Robinson.
Her ability to combine flashy, up-tempo play with genuine substance has quickly made her one of the most exciting young players to watch in the WNBA, and if her comments are any indication, she has no plans of toning that down anytime soon.
