Just two games into her WNBA career, Olivia Miles' breakout performance for the Minnesota Lynx ended before the game ended Friday night. After a strong showing against the Toronto Tempo on May 1, the night took an unfortunate turn when she suffered a hard fourth-quarter fall and had to be helped off the court.

The 23-year-old showcased serious ability, tallying 13 points, 2 assists, and 6 rebounds in a 73–66 win over the Tempo, battling through a hard fall to finish the game.

Just moments after Olivia Miles took the fall, Meghan L. Hall of USA Today posted on X, reporting, "Olivia Miles took a hard spill. Was down on the court for several moments. Eventually helped to her feet and off the court at the 7:04 mark of the 4th. Unsure what happened there."

A video of the fall showed Olivia Miles landing awkwardly on her chest and face during the play, sporting a small cut on her right shoulder; however, she managed to walk off by herself. She appeared to be holding her right hand, and trainers quickly stepped in to check on her.

"It’s possible her finger got hit by a fast moving basketball. Appeared to be in pain before sitting on the bench and smiling," the senior reporter further added.

Miles hasn’t spoken about the incident yet, but she is already taking on a key role with the Minnesota Lynx early in her career, especially with roster changes and Napheesa Collier sidelined.

“I think I’m in this position for a reason,” Miles said, per Michael Voepel of ESPN, after her preseason exhibition win over Nigeria.

“Obviously, [coach Cheryl Reeve] sees something in me and believes in me. She would not have me out there if she didn’t think I could do it. So, yeah, it’s a privilege.”

It has been less than a month since Olivia Miles joined the Minnesota Lynx, but she is already making an impact, living up to expectations as the No. 2 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Olivia Miles Was Already Making Noise Before Tip-Off

Veteran guard Courtney Williams is clearly impressed with Miles' ability to create plays.

“I went into the locker room, I was like, yo, you cold… like she’s gonna be a problem," said Williams, praising Miles during a press conference with Kayla McBride.

The Minnesota Lynx guard looked clearly impressed, even nodding as she spoke.

HC Cheryl Reeve has previously spoken about how Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride, both Lynx veterans, have been mentoring the young rookie, providing the support she needs to flourish in the league.

Even though Olivia Miles was picked No. 2 in the 2026 WNBA Draft, she was expected to go first after leading the TCU Horned Frogs women's basketball to a 32–6 season, an Elite Eight run, and a Big 12 title while winning Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.

Do you think Olivia Miles can live up to the early hype and become a star this season with the Minnesota Lynx?

Read more at She Got Game!

Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Surjo Ray