The Minnesota Lynx consistently excel in selecting talented players in the WNBA Draft, and this year they have struck gold with Olivia Miles. Chosen as the No. 2 overall pick, Miles quickly cemented her place as a standout player.
In a recent 101-89 victory against the Connecticut Sun, Miles surpassed a rookie scoring record previously held by Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. Miles scored an impressive 21 points, bringing her total to 790 points this season over 40 games. This achievement comes despite the league’s expanded schedule in 2026, with both Miles and Clark achieving their milestones in 40 games.
“It’s special, but it means we’re more so working well as a team. I have great teammates around me, great vets who allow me to be me out there,” Miles expressed after the game. “It wouldn’t be possible without one, a coach that believes in you, and then two, having teammates that have my back. So it’s really special to obviously be able to accomplish that with such a great team and on a win as well.”
In addition to breaking scoring records, Miles set new benchmarks for efficiency. She scored 350 points, collected 100 rebounds, and made 100 assists faster than any previous rookie, achieving these numbers in just 21 games. This feat edged out former rookie standout Caitlin Clark and past Chicago Sting player Andrea Stinson by one game.
Further showcasing her talents, Miles set a record for the most three-pointers by a rookie in a single game when she successfully made eight during a match against the Golden State Valkyries in June.
The Lynx’s outstanding season has them sitting at a record of 32-10, maintaining a slight edge over the Golden State Valkyries for first place in the league.
The Associated Press contributed additional reporting for this article.
