Olivia Miles scored a career-high 33 points Monday night to lead the Minnesota Lynx past the Phoenix Mercury, 104-100. And the No. 2 overall pick did it while setting a Lynx WNBA franchise record for single-game scoring by a rookie. Miles shot 10-of-16 from the field and 5-of-8 from beyond the arc while adding eight assists and three rebounds.
Her impact stretched beyond the stat line, though. With Minnesota clinging to a one-point lead and 21 seconds remaining, Miles drove the lane and found Natasha Howard for a layup. She then hit a free throw on the next possession to seal the win.
And she even had time to sweep the court in between baskets.
Olivia Miles Claims Historic WNBA Rookie Record
The night also carried a larger milestone. Miles became the fastest player in WNBA history to record 400 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists, reaching the rookie record mark in just 22 games. No other player has hit that benchmark as quickly.
The win extends Minnesota's streak to three straight and keeps the Lynx atop the WNBA standings. Miles is averaging 19.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game and was named an All-Star earlier this season. Her impressive first year in the league has even earned praise from WNBA legend Sue Bird.
"Not every kid coming out of college knows exactly who they are as a basketball player. Some are still figuring it out," Bird said on WNBA Showtime after the game.
"She just has gone through enough in her life as a basketball player, where she believes in herself and her decisions."
Miles and the Lynx will next face the LA Sparks tomorrow at 1 PM ET, live on WNBA League Pass.
