OLIVIA MILES INJURES LEFT ANKLE IN LYNX LOSS TO VALKYRIES

Olivia Miles, a rookie for the Minnesota Lynx, sustained a left ankle injury during the fourth quarter of a match against the Golden State Valkyries with 4:37 remaining. Miles stepped on teammate Napheesa Collier's foot whilst defending Valkyries guard Veronica Burton and rolled her ankle before being assisted off the court. At the time of the injury, Miles had recorded 20 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and two steals. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve stated after the match that she had not yet viewed the play and could not determine the severity of the injury.

Miles has injured the same left ankle once previously this season, rolling it during a game against the Los Angeles Sparks in July before returning to the bench later that match. The injury occurred late in the regular season with seven games remaining before the playoffs begin. Minnesota Lynx currently hold a record of 30-7 and lead the league standings. Miles has averaged 19.9 points, 6.1 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game across 34 games played this season.

The timing of the injury presents concern for the Lynx, particularly given that Napheesa Collier's injury last season affected the team's title prospects. Miles has been described as a central figure for Minnesota throughout the season and is competing for both Rookie of the Year honours and consideration for the MVP award. The Lynx organisation and supporters await further assessment of Miles's ankle before the next fixture.