The Minnesota Lynx’s season ended abruptly with a 87-71 defeat to the New York Liberty in Game 2 at Barclays Center on Tuesday, making the Lynx the first No. 1 seed to fall to a No. 8 seed in WNBA history. For rookie guard Olivia Miles, the loss was a hard blow but also a moment to reflect on her first year in the league.
Miles struggled in the playoff series, averaging just 8.0 points on 4-of-20 shooting and recording one assist across the two games. These numbers were a stark contrast to her regular season performance, which earned her the Rookie of the Year award. Despite the disappointing finish, Miles remained composed and focused on growth.
“Losing is a part of it, right? Having games like I had is part of it. I can’t go out there and play perfectly every game, but I tried to. I tried to control what I can, but sometimes it doesn’t go my way. Such is life,” she said in a video posted by basketball reporter Khristina Williams. “I think it’s beautiful as much as it hurts learning in this way. I’ll take it with me. I’ll remember how it feels.”
The 23-year-old guard, who was the No. 2 pick in the draft, acknowledged both the highs and lows of her rookie campaign. “Sometimes I have to have experiences like this, that hurt this bad, to get me where I want to be. But yeah, I’m definitely grateful for it. I’m trying to look at what we were able to accomplish this season.”
Miles also reminded herself of her inexperience. “I have to remind myself that I’m a rookie. I’m not a 10-year veteran. Sometimes I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know what the movement feels like. But now I do, so now there’s no excuse. But being a rookie, I have to give myself a little more grace.”
Her comments came after a historic but painful playoff exit for the Lynx, who entered the postseason as the top seed. The loss to the Liberty was a surprise to many, with coach Cheryl Reeve noting in related coverage that two Lynx players had been “rendered ineffective” during the sweep.
Miles’s recognition as Rookie of the Year places her among a select group in Minnesota Lynx history, becoming just the sixth player from the franchise to earn the award. Her rookie season included moments that showed her potential, even if it ended on a sour note.
The Lynx’s early elimination leaves questions about how the team will regroup next season, but Miles’s focus is clear. She is determined to build on what she has learned, carrying both the disappointment and the achievements forward.
For now, the 23-year-old guard’s reflections offer a candid glimpse into the pressures and realities of transitioning to the WNBA, especially under the spotlight of high expectations and playoff intensity. The loss may sting, but Miles’s attitude suggests she is ready to face what comes next with a clearer understanding of her place in the league.
According to Yahoo Sports.