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‘You Can’t Leave Your Rookie Out To Dry’ – WNBA Legend Candace Parker Blasts Cheryl Reeve’s Treatment of Olivia Miles After Lynx’s Playoff Exit

WNBA Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles faced a brutal playoff exit after Minnesota Lynx’s first-round upset by the New York Liberty, sparking criticism from former MVP Candace Parker. Miles, who dominated the regular season with 19.8 points and six assists per game, struggled in the two-game series, scoring just 16 points total while shooting 20% from the field.

Head coach Cheryl Reeve’s public remarks calling Miles and Natasha Howard ‘ineffective’ drew backlash, with Parker arguing on the *Post Moves Show* that rookies often face a steep adjustment in the postseason. Parker, who won Rookie of the Year and MVP in 2008, emphasized that Miles’ struggles don’t negate her immense talent or potential, urging Reeve to avoid leaving a young player exposed in high-pressure moments.

Despite the rough playoff run, Miles remains a cornerstone for the Lynx, who enter next season as title contenders with expectations of her continued growth.

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