The Minnesota Lynx continued their impressive run on Tuesday night with a commanding 100-76 victory over the Dallas Wings at Target Center, extending their winning streak to eight games. The result further solidified Minnesota’s place among the league’s most consistent teams this season.
What made the performance even more notable was the continued absence of star forward Napheesa Collier, who remains sidelined while recovering from ankle surgery. Despite her absence, the Lynx have maintained a high level of play and rhythm on both ends of the floor.
Collier, who recently signed a one-year extension, has been steadily progressing in her recovery and has been cleared for basketball activities, though she has yet to return to game action. Still, her presence around the team remains influential.
Even while watching from the sidelines, Collier has taken notice of Minnesota’s rise and specifically pointed to the emergence of rookie guard Olivia Miles as a key factor in the team’s sustained success.
1. Miles Emerges as Driving Force Behind Winning Streak
Olivia Miles continued her breakout campaign with another strong all-around performance against Dallas, finishing with 24 points, seven rebounds, and six assists while shooting an efficient 7-of-10 from the field. Her control of the offense helped Minnesota dictate tempo throughout the game.
The rookie guard has quickly become one of the most reliable playmakers on the roster, consistently balancing scoring with facilitating duties. Her ability to impact multiple areas of the game has given the Lynx added flexibility in their offensive schemes.
Miles’ confidence has also translated into big moments, including a recent performance against the Golden State Valkyries where she scored a career-high 28 points and knocked down eight three-pointers. That outing further established her as a growing offensive threat.
Against Dallas, she also outperformed top draft selection Azzi Fudd in a highly anticipated matchup, as Fudd struggled to find rhythm with just six points on 2-of-12 shooting.
2. Collier and Reeve Praise Rookie Impact
Even from the sidelines, Collier has been vocal in her support of the team’s development, particularly praising the energy and consistency Miles has brought to the lineup. She emphasized both effort and execution when describing Minnesota’s success.
Collier highlighted how the Lynx have maintained a high standard on both ends of the floor, crediting the team’s collective intensity and Miles’ presence as a stabilizing force in the backcourt.
Head coach Cheryl Reeve has echoed similar sentiments, expressing admiration for Miles’ confidence and poise despite her early stage in the league. The coaching staff has been impressed by how quickly she has adapted to a leading role.
That trust has allowed Miles to take on significant responsibility in key moments, accelerating her development while helping the team maintain its winning rhythm.
3. Balanced Attack Keeps Minnesota Rolling
Beyond Miles’ standout performance, the Lynx have benefited from a balanced roster approach that has allowed multiple players to contribute consistently during the winning streak. Their depth has helped compensate for Collier’s absence.
Minnesota’s offensive flow has remained steady, with ball movement and defensive pressure continuing to set the tone. That structure has helped the team control games even when individual scoring runs fluctuate.
The win over Dallas was another example of that collective identity, as Minnesota maintained control from start to finish without relying on a single dominant scorer to carry the load.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Lynx will look to extend their streak to nine games when they face the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday in what will be a major test of their early-season form.