Olivia Miles’ case for MVP is stronger than you think
These days, it feels like the WNBA’s most elite players are competing for MVP runner-up. That’s because A’ja Wilson — who has won the award in four of the last six seasons — continues to outdo herself, year after year. This WNBA season, Wilson is averaging 26.8 points (the second-highest of her career) and 9.8 […]
The 2026 WNBA season has seen a heated debate over the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, with A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces widely considered the frontrunner. However, Olivia Miles, a 23-year-old rookie for the Minnesota Lynx, has made a compelling case for her own MVP candidacy.
Miles outperforms her teammate Natasha Howard, who leads all WNBA players in plus-minus rating (+8.6), by a wide margin with her own plus-minus of +8.1. She is averaging 19.7 points per game, ranking 8th in the league among players with at least 16 games played, and shooting 50.2% from the field and 38% from three-point range. Additionally, she averages 5.8 assists per game, placing her 8th in the league as well.
Miles’ impact goes beyond her individual statistics. She controls the pace of Minnesota’s offense, sets up high-quality scoring opportunities for her teammates, and dictates how opponents approach the Lynx. The Lynx have an impressive 24-5 record with Miles in the lineup, compared to a 1-2 record without her, marking 10 consecutive wins with her on the court.
A standout performance in a crucial matchup against the Indiana Fever further solidified her case, as she recorded 28 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, securing the victory with a game-winning and-one layup.
With the Lynx leading the WNBA standings by four games, Miles' MVP candidacy is bolstered. While A’ja Wilson continues to dominate with her numbers, Olivia Miles has proven herself to be a worthy contender, showcasing her leadership and impact on the court. Her rookie season has already secured her the Rookie of the Year award, and her influence on the Lynx's success positions her as a strong contender for the prestigious MVP title.
Written by urgent.news from SB Nation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
