Rookie guard Olivia Miles has helped lead the Minnesota Lynx to the top of the WNBA standings. As the 2026 season is underway, Miles has been quick to put her name at the top of the standouts list. She is playing basketball at a very high level, making her a top candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Rookie Olivia Miles is the Hero the Minnesota Lynx Needed
Her WNBA Debut
On May 9, 2026, Olivia Miles started in her first official WNBA regular-season game. The rookie wasted no time getting started. In that game against the Atlanta Dream, Miles recorded a game-high 21 points, along with three rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Playing at such an elite level in a debut game demonstrates that Miles has no fear.
In each game that followed, the rookie has scored double-digit points and been a stellar playmaker. On June 4 against the Golden State Valkyries, Miles was the hero for the Lynx. She recorded a career-high 28 points, with four rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks. What made this performance impressive was the rookie’s 3-point shooting. Miles went 8-for-11 from three, breaking the previous rookie record held by Caitlin Clark.
Rookie of the Year Candidate
As the WNBA season is about a fourth of the way completed, Miles is already pleading her case as a potential Rookie of the Year. She is averaging 17.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game thus far. These numbers show the very balanced game that Miles plays.
She is able to have stellar nights on offense at a consistent level. Additionally, she is able to set up her teammates for wide-open shots, creating plays that help her team find ways to win. Miles’ defense has been another huge asset to the team. Having someone step up to fill the shoes of Napheesa Collier is just what the Lynx needed.
Lynx Offseason Moves
Learning that Collier would be out for four to six months due to ankle surgery was devastating for the Lynx. There were many offseason moves that shook up Minnesota’s roster. Those decisions left only Collier, Courtney Williams, and Kayla McBride as starters from the season prior. 6-foot-4 forward Alanna Smith signed a max contract with the Dallas Wings, which meant the Lynx lost her defensive presence. Bridget Carleton, who was known for her 3-point shooting, was selected by the Portland Fire in the expansion draft.
Two strong bench players, Natisha Hiedeman and Jessica Shepard, also moved on in free agency. Hiedeman, a key scorer, ended up out west with the Seattle Storm. Shepard, known for her two-way balance, joined Smith in Dallas.
Balanced Play from Miles
Each of these players contributed a different skill that helped the Minnesota Lynx achieve such a balanced starting five. Despite their departures, Miles has already demonstrated each of these skills. The rookie has recorded 17 steals and nine blocks through the first 12 games of the season. Her 3-point shooting percentage is at 37.1%. She has also recorded 75 assists so far. The number to reach the rookie record is 337, which is held by Caitlin Clark from her 2024 debut season.
Looking Ahead
In addition to the best record in the league, the Lynx are also 4-0 in the Commissioner’s Cup tournament. Without the strong efforts from Miles every game, they could have found themselves in a different situation.
The key for this team will be remaining consistent. If Collier returns from injury this season and rejoins this starting five, the Lynx will be an even more dangerous team. Head coach Cheryl Reeve said Collier has begun on-court activities, though there is no concrete timetable for her return.
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