Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles dropped 24 points, six rebounds and eight assists in Tuesday’s 100-93 win over the Toronto Tempo. That stat line alone is impressive. But the real story is what it means for her rookie season.
Miles shot 9-of-17 from the field, 4-of-5 from three and 2-of-2 from the line. That 50-40-90 split (field goal, three-point, free throw) was her third game this season hitting those marks. The Lynx confirmed Tuesday night that ties the WNBA rookie record for most games with that kind of shooting efficiency. She shares the mark with some pretty good company, though the team didn’t specify who else is on that list.
The No. 2 overall pick has been everything the Lynx hoped for and maybe more. She’s leading the team in scoring at 19.5 points per game and steals at 6.0, adding 4.8 rebounds and shooting nearly 50% from the floor and 38% from deep. Not bad for a 23-year-old who some wondered would need time to adjust to the pro game.
Miles has already piled up milestones
She became the fastest rookie to reach 400 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists, doing it in 22 games. She also set a rookie record for most threes in a game (eight) and most points in a half (24). That’s a lot of ink in the record book for one season.
Miles has been quick to credit her teammates for making the transition smooth, but she’s also the one out there breaking ankles and pulling up from deep. The kid has moxie, plain and simple. She plays with a fearlessness that’s hard to teach and harder to contain.
Even with Napheesa Collier back in the lineup after a long absence, Miles remains the focal point of this Lynx offense. Some people compared her to Luka Doncic coming out of college. That’s heavy praise but watching her operate, you can see why. She sees the floor two passes ahead, she’s not afraid of the moment, and she’s got that little bit of swagger that separates good rookies from great ones.
What’s next for the Lynx
Minnesota has won eight straight games. They’re rolling. And they get another shot at Toronto on Thursday, which should be interesting after the Tempo pushed them in this one.
Miles doesn’t seem like the type to get comfortable, though. If this rookie year is any indication, she’s just getting started.
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