Full Breakdown
Olivia Miles Sets WNBA Rookie Three-Point Record in Lynx Victory Over Valkyries
6/6/2026, 1:19:23 AM
Record-Breaking Performance
Olivia Miles, the Minnesota Lynx’s No. 2 overall draft pick, made eight three-pointers on 11 attempts, establishing a new WNBA rookie record for most threes in a single game. Her 28 points, seven assists and four rebounds propelled the Lynx to an 87-84 win over the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s newest franchise.
Background and Season Context
Minnesota entered the contest with an 8-2 record, leading the league and holding a perfect 7-0 all-time mark against Golden State. Miles had begun the season shooting 2-of-18 from beyond the arc in her first nine games, but recent performances have vaulted her into Rookie-of-the-Year discussions. The Valkyries, 6-4, are winless in seven meetings with the Lynx and were seeking their first victory in the Western Conference showdown.
Key Figures
- Olivia Miles – Lynx guard, rookie record holder.
- Cheryl Reeve – Lynx head coach, praised Miles’ confidence.
- Kayla McBride – Lynx forward, highlighted Miles’ two-way contributions.
- Courtney Williams – Lynx guard, noted Miles’ impact on team flow.
- Cheryl Miller – Hall of Famer, dubbed Miles “The Show.”
- Natalie Nakase – Valkyries head coach, criticized rebounding and execution.
- Cecilia Zandalasini – Valkyries forward, league-leading scorer for Golden State.
Game Data and Statistics
- Miles: 28 points, 8-of-11 threes (72 %); 7 assists, 4 rebounds.
- Lynx: 13-of-26 three-pointers (50 %); 87 points, 31 rebounds.
- Valkyries: 14 three-pointers; 84 points, 43 rebounds.
- Final stretch: Lynx scored 11 straight points to lead 81-75 with 3:00 left; Williams’ free throw sealed the margin.
- Season averages (first 10 games): Miles leads rookies with 15.8 points and 6.3 assists per game.
Impact and Significance
Miles’ achievement eclipses the previous rookie high set by Caitlin Clark and Crystal Robinson (seven threes). The performance underscores the growing emphasis on perimeter shooting in the WNBA and strengthens Miles’ candidacy for rookie honors. It also illustrates the Lynx’s ability to thrive despite the absence of veteran forward Napheesa Collier.
Official Statements and Responses
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve highlighted Miles’ “mindset and confidence,” noting her willingness to take shots and manipulate defenses. Forward Kayla McBride said Miles offers “so many things on both ends of the floor.” Guard Courtney Williams added that Miles “makes the game easier for all of us.” Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller referred to Miles as “The Show.” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase emphasized that “we needed those rebounds and we got out-rebounded by 12,” attributing the loss to missed execution in the final minutes.
Criticism and Opposition
Nakase’s post-game remarks pointed to the Valkyries’ rebounding deficit—12 fewer rebounds and 14 extra offensive boards for Minnesota—as a decisive factor. She also criticized the team’s inability to secure possessions, stating, “You can’t give anyone 14 extra possessions.”
On-the-Ground Report
Miles opened the game by hitting five of six threes in the first half, finishing with 17 points at halftime. The Valkyries answered with a bench surge, taking a two-point lead at the break. A late 11-0 Lynx run, driven by Williams and Miles, shifted momentum. In the final seconds, a missed three by Zandalasini sealed the result.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources concur on the eight-three record, the final score, and the key statistical line. No contradictory accounts were identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's just a testament to my mindset and my confidence,” — Olivia Miles, Lynx guard
- “She just makes the game easier for all of us,” — Courtney Williams, Lynx guard
- “We needed those rebounds and we got out rebounded by 12.” — Natalie Nakase, Valkyries coach
- “The last few games, we feel like she's got opportunities to shoot the ball,” — Cheryl Reeve, Lynx head coach
What’s Next
Minnesota’s next matchup is against the Dallas Wings, while Golden State travels to Las Vegas for its next game. The rookie class, with Miles at the forefront, will continue to shape the early narrative of the 2026 WNBA season.
