Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve did not really provide any fancy updates on star player Napheesa Collier's return to the hardwood following an ankle injury last season.

Following Wednesday's practice session, reporters asked questions regarding Collier's availability. Back in April, the Lynx announced that “the current timeline for a return to on-court activities is early June” for Collier, who underwent surgery on her left ankle on March 24.

But according to Reeve, it seems Collier has a little more time until she returns to full practice.

“I’m not equipped today to tell you exactly where she’s at,” Reeve said, via an X post from Andrew Dukowitz. “What does on-court activity mean? She’s been on-court. Team-related activities and things like that, no, we’re not there,"

"But she’s been on-court doing basketball things. But I have to get better description for you guys and see if we can’t get maybe a little bit more update on a timetables, etcetera. I’m not equipped to say that today,” Reeve added.

With Collier out, it is almost a miracle that the Lynx are doing so well this season. They are currently at the top of the WNBA with a 7-2 record, despite losing almost all notable players from last season, apart from Collier, Courtney Williams, and Kayla McBride.

The Lynx are currently coping well without Collier due to the outstanding performances of veteran newcomers Natasha Howard and Nia Coffey this season. Additionally, Williams is playing the best basketball of her career.

But probably the biggest X-factor regarding the Lynx's successes remains rookie Olivia Miles, who just added another accolade in her already flourishing career with the Lynx.

Olivia Miles Named Rookie of the Month

May was the month of this year's No. 2 overall pick, as Miles was unsurprisingly named the rookie of the month on Wednesday.

With a sensational start to her career in the WNBA, Miles continued that form over eight contests last month, averaging 15.4 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game.

She leads all rookies in points, assists, and steals this season, including No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd, and is second in rebounds.

And it definitely looks like this won't be the last time she receives this honor after a fiery start in June against the Phoenix Mercury, where she scored 19 points and 9 assists in a blowout victory.

Miles has been the perfect answer to compensate for two-time MVP runner-up Collier's absence, and her form will be on display again on Thursday night, when the Lynx host the Golden State Valkyries (6-3).

It’ll be a matchup between the teams with the two best net ratings in the WNBA so far, with the Lynx first at +13.8 and Golden State second at +8.9.

So, who do you think will come out on top between these two heavyweights? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy