Game Summary
The Minnesota Lynx (18-6) continued their strong season on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks (10-12) with a final score of 96-87 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. While the win reinforces Minnesota’s position near the top of the WNBA standings, the victory was marred by a late-game injury to star rookie guard Olivia Miles.
Injury Concern for Miles
Miles, the second overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, suffered an apparent lower-body injury during the fourth quarter. The incident occurred while she was cutting to the lane; she appeared to step on a defender’s foot and planted her leg awkwardly. Although she was forced to leave the game, she was able to walk to the locker room under her own power. She later returned to the bench in the final minutes of the contest, favoring her ankle. While Miles was seen participating in the team’s post-game celebrations, an official medical diagnosis is still pending.
Stakes and Roster Depth
Before leaving the court, Miles contributed 18 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals. Her performance has been vital for the Lynx, who are currently contending for the top seed in the league. For the Sparks, the loss highlights ongoing struggles with roster depth, particularly as they continue to play without star guard Kelsey Plum due to a lower-leg injury. The Lynx look toward upcoming fixtures, hoping to maintain their momentum while monitoring the health of their standout rookie.