Brief

Olivia Miles reflects on rookie season and playoff loss

Miles says she entered the postseason with a scarcity mindset after a standout rookie year.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:26:22 GMT

Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles, the unanimous 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year who posted 19.8 points, 6.0 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game, spoke to reporters after her team’s first‑round sweep by the New York Liberty. The Lynx fell in two games, each by 16 points, ending a season that saw them finish first in the regular‑season standings.

During the interview, Miles described playing with a “scarcity mindset,” saying she was focused on not losing rather than a “dire hunger to win.” She recalled the season’s roller‑coaster of expectations, noting that she entered the playoffs as a rookie now mentioned in MVP conversations and felt pressure to perform at that level. Miles also highlighted the challenge of winning on the road as a rookie, a situation she had never faced before.

Despite the disappointing postseason, Miles remains optimistic about her future, viewing the experience as a learning opportunity that will help her prepare for a strong sophomore campaign.

Key facts

Olivia Miles averaged 19.8 points, 6.0 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game in the 2026 season (bleacherreport.com)
Miles was named unanimous WNBA Rookie of the Year and entered MVP conversations (bleacherreport.com)
Minnesota Lynx were swept 2‑0 by New York Liberty in the first round, losing each game by 16 points (bleacherreport.com)
Miles said she played with a "scarcity mindset" and focused on not losing (bleacherreport.com)