Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles delivers 14 points in homecoming game versus Liberty

Friday marked a homecoming for Lynx rookie Olivia Miles.

The Summit, N.J., native had a large crowd of family and friends in attendance to support her at Barclays Center.

Miles scored 14 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out five assists in Minnesota’s 99‑86 loss.

She struggled shooting, going 5‑of‑16 from the field and missing all four of her three‑point attempts.

Coach Cheryl Reeve’s only comfort is that Miles’ homecoming went better than Maya Moore’s early return to Connecticut.

Moore scored only two and three points in her first games with the Connecticut Sun in 2011 and 2012.

Reeve recalled, “It wasn’t good,” before the game.

Reeve said, “I’m hopeful we can set a trend for this young rookie to excel when she returns home.”

Reeve was obviously joking.

Reeve doesn’t appear to have to worry much about her rookie point guard these days.

Miles has drawn comparisons to four‑time WNBA champion and Lynx legend Lindsay Whalen.

Miles is doing things rookie guards typically don’t, and there is usually an adjustment period to the speed and physicality of the WNBA game for newcomers, especially those from college.

Her consistency and ability to read the game are impressive, even less than two months into her first season. While she expected a longer adjustment, she has been dictating play on the floor.

Entering Friday’s game, she tops all rookies in scoring (18.7 points per game), assists (5.7) and efficiency (22.8). She also ranks sixth in efficiency and eighth in assists league‑wide, making her a clear Rookie of the Year frontrunner.

She has earned two Rookie of the Month awards and been named an All-Star starter this week, while leading the Collier-less Lynx to the league’s best record.

Miles said before the game, “I didn’t really have any expectations. I’m kind of surprising myself at times.”

Miles carries a quiet confidence.

She is soft‑spoken and reserved, with thoughtful, sweet responses to reporters, and carries herself with the poise and calm of a seasoned veteran.

When basketball is played, Miles shows a different side.

On the court, her demeanor changes; she becomes more aggressive and vocal, often trash‑talking before delivering a flashy pass or a tough basket.

Miles has earned the right to challenge opponents and commands respect from those around her, regardless of their feelings.

Miles said, “I’ve always known who I am as a player. I may be mistaken for arrogance, but that’s simply deep confidence I’ve built through self‑reflection.”

Miles, who began her college career at Notre Dame before playing the previous season at TCU, rebuilt her self‑belief after an ACL injury that sidelined her for the entire 2023‑24 season, using that recovery to reflect on her identity on and off the court.

That work is paying off now.

One of the few things that sometimes makes Miles uncomfortable is directing her senior teammates on positioning and assignments.

Miles said, “It’s uncomfortable at times. I’d rather not do it, but my role demands it, and Cheryl has given me confidence.”

Miles has earned Reeve’s confidence through her on‑court performance and demeanor.

Reeve said, “We’re fortunate that Olivia Miles was ready from Day 1. She wasn’t intimidated and felt she belonged from the start, and she’s a big reason for our success.”

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