Lynx’s Natasha Howard backs Cheryl Reeve’s Olivia Miles take after Valkyries loss

Natasha Howard kept the big picture in full view despite Olivia Miles and the Minnesota Lynx’s 80-66 loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Monday night.

Going into the matchup, Minnesota has been dominating opponents as one of the best teams in the entire league. Miles has played a pivotal role in their success, a firm favorite for the Rookie of the Year award.

However, Golden State decided to crash the party on Minnesota’s momentum. The visitors’ defense was stout as the hosts were unable to spark a run, going through a poor shooting night.

Miles had a rough performance in 28 minutes of action. She finished with eight points, five assists and four rebounds on 3-of-12 shooting from the field, including 1-of-5 from beyond the arc. Despite her struggles, Howard came to the rookie’s defense after the game.

“Yeah I agree with Cheryl, absolutely because you don’t want to have these kind of losses come playoffs. Because you get one of these losses and the series is tied 2-2… right now it’s good for all of us, it’s a learning lesson for the whole group as well, is not only on Liv, it’s the whole team,” Howard said, per reporter Andrew Dukowitz.

Natasha Howard on Cheryl Reeve’s insight that the loss to the Valkyries being a good thing for Olivia Miles and the Lynx.

“Yeah I agree with Cheryl, absolutely because you don’t want to have these kind of losses come playoffs. Because you get one of these losses and the series… pic.twitter.com/vDTBKjmIZG

— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) August 25, 2026

How Natasha Howard, Lynx played against Valkyries

Natasha Howard, Olivia Miles and the Lynx won’t let their loss to the Valkyries stunt their growth as an elite squad.

Two players scored in double-digits for Minnesota in the loss, including Howard. She finished with a stat line of 13 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. Kayla McBride came next with 12 points and four rebounds, while Napheesa Collier and Maya Caldwell provided nine points each.

Minnesota fell to a 31-8 record on the season but continue controlling the top spot in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Valkyries and the Las Vegas Aces at the moment.

The Lynx will look to bounce back in their next matchup, being on the road. They take on the Atlanta Dream as tip-off takes place on Aug. 30 at 3 p.m. ET.

The post Lynx’s Natasha Howard backs Cheryl Reeve’s Olivia Miles take after Valkyries loss appeared first on ClutchPoints.