The Minnesota Lynx suffered a disappointing 80-66 loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Monday night. While the Lynx have already clinched a playoff spot, the result still caught attention, especially because rookie Olivia Miles had an unusually quiet game.
After the game, head coach Cheryl Reeve explained why she believes performances like this can actually help Miles grow.
HC Cheryl Reeve Weighs In on Olivia Miles’ 8-Point Outing
Miles finished the game with just eight points, along with four rebounds and five assists, while going just 3-12 from the floor. That was a surprise to many Lynx fans because the rookie had been playing much better in her recent games and had even emerged as a dark-horse contender for the WNBA MVP Award.
Before Monday’s matchup, Miles had scored at least 20 points in each of her previous three games. She scored 23 points against the Las Vegas Aces, followed by 20 against the Valkyries, and then finished with 24 points against the Washington Mystics.
However, things did not go her way on Monday. When Reeve was asked about Miles’ low-scoring night, the Lynx head coach explained that Miles needs to experience games like this as she continues developing as a professional player.
“I want games like this for Liv as a rookie. We need games like this so that there’s learning that happens. There’s disappointment, maybe, that she’s feeling for sure. She needs that, and we need that. That’s the kind of stuff that makes us a better team. I’m quite confident that the next time that we’re in a hard situation, what we went through tonight will be really valuable to her and to our team,” Reeve said during her post-game press conference.
Cheryl Reeve on Olivia Miles ball movement struggles against the Valkyries
“I want games like this for Liv as a rookie. We need games like this so that there’s learning that happens. Theres disappointment maybe, that she’s feeling for sure. She needs that, and we need that.… pic.twitter.com/e6YiByQp9l
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) August 25, 2026
Miles joined Minnesota as the second overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She has quickly shown why the Lynx invested such a high pick in her. However, Monday’s game was a reminder that even talented rookies will have difficult nights.
The Lynx also struggled to find their rhythm as a team. Minnesota trailed by just one point after the first quarter and by two at halftime. The Valkyries then scored 46 points after halftime, and Minnesota struggled to keep up. The Lynx eventually fell 80-66.
The Lynx will now have some time to regroup before returning to action against the Atlanta Dream on Sunday. With the playoffs approaching, all eyes will be on Miles to see how she responds.
