WNBA to Punish Olivia Miles After Playoff Disaster

Candice Ward-Imagn Images

WNBA to Punish Olivia Miles After Playoff Disaster

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Sep 29, 2026 11:54 PM ET

The Minnesota Lynx have been eliminated from the 2026 WNBA playoffs. Making matters worse, star rookie Olivia Miles is facing a penalty for her actions in Game 2 of their series with the New York Liberty.

New York swept Minnesota in their first-round series, winning 91-75 in Game 1 before securing an 87-71 victory in Game 2 on Tuesday. The Liberty made history in the process, becoming the first No. 8 seed to knock off the No. 1 seed in the postseason.

The Liberty silenced Miles during Tuesday’s game, with the Lynx’s best scorer finishing with just five points in nearly 17 minutes of action. She was even benched for the whole fourth quarter as Minnesota tried to mount a comeback.

Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles looks on during a game.Matt Krohn-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Before she was benched, however, Miles was assessed a Flagrant 1 for her foul on Breanna Stewart.

With 6:26 remaining, Stewart attacked the basket. Miles, for her part, tried to block her. Nonetheless, she hit the Liberty forward in the face. Stewart stayed on the floor for a brief period, wincing in pain.

The WNBA Rookie of the Year didn’t return to the game after she was subbed out following the call.

Breanna Stewart went down with a facial injury. Olivia Miles was assessed a technical for “unnecessary contact.” #WNBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/wrasj6TqUm
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 30, 2026

As a result of the flagrant call, Miles is now due to pay a $500 fine to the WNBA. The league’s rules state that each flagrant point is punishable by a $500 fine.

A Flagrant 1 foul accounts for one flagrant point, while a Flagrant 2 accounts for two points.

It’s certainly a disappointing end for Miles and the Lynx, who were even considered favorites to win the WNBA championship this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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