Lynx’s Olivia Miles pinpoints ‘non-negotiable’ after shocking loss to Sparks

Olivia Miles delivered another all-around performance, but it was not enough to lift the Minnesota Lynx past the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday. The Lynx suffered a shocking loss, 89-82, at Target Center, snapping their 10-game winning streak.

The Sparks poured it on in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Lynx, 23-11. Minnesota failed to score in the last five minutes of the contest.

While their offense sputtered, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve pointed out that their “terrible defense” cost them the game. Miles fully agreed with Reeve.

“I think teams are adjusting and getting better at what we’re doing. Teams are refining (their defense) and playing to their strengths better, obviously, and developing their identity,” said Miles in the video posted by Sports Illustrated’s Andrew Dukowitz.

“We just have to put consistent effort forward, regardless of whether adjustments are made or whatever they may look like. We just got to stick to our habits. She (Reeve) can’t coach effort at the end of the day. That’s a non-negotiable, whether the other team is scheming or not.”

Olivia Miles on what has changed with the Lynx’s defense since July started

“…I think we just have to put consistent effort forward, regardless of if adjustments… We just got to stick to our habits and she can’t coach effort at the end of the day like that’s a nonnegotiable,… pic.twitter.com/NsZQDbWf28

— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) August 7, 2026

The rookie guard finished with a team-high 23 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals. She, however, also had five turnovers.

The Lynx allowed the Sparks to shoot 50% from the field, including 38% from long distance. Los Angeles scored more than half of its output in the interior, tallying 48 points in the paint.

Napheesa Collier firmly echoed Miles’ remark about their defense, but she also stressed that they need to “flush” the sorry loss and “move on” since they have a tough challenge on Saturday against the Las Vegas Aces.

Collier had 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

The post Lynx’s Olivia Miles pinpoints ‘non-negotiable’ after shocking loss to Sparks appeared first on ClutchPoints.