Olivia Miles has wasted little time establishing herself as one of the brightest young stars in the WNBA. On Monday night, the Minnesota Lynx rookie delivered another memorable performance, helping her team secure a hard-fought 104-101 victory over the Phoenix Mercury at Target Center.
The game featured several standout performances, but Miles ultimately proved to be the difference in the closing moments. With Minnesota clinging to a one-point lead in the final seconds, the rookie guard calmly orchestrated two critical possessions that helped preserve the Lynx’s third consecutive victory.
Miles finished with a career-high 33 points while adding eight assists and three rebounds. She connected on 10 of her 16 shots from the field and knocked down five of her eight attempts from beyond the arc, continuing a rookie campaign that has exceeded even the highest expectations.
Her latest effort not only strengthened Minnesota’s position in the standings but also earned admiration from one of the greatest point guards in basketball history. Hall of Famer Sue Bird praised Miles following the game, highlighting the maturity and confidence that have defined her rapid rise to stardom.
1. Delivering in the Biggest Moments
For much of the evening, Minnesota and Phoenix traded momentum in a contest that remained undecided until the final minute. The Mercury, led by Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, repeatedly answered every Lynx surge and appeared poised to steal a road victory.
Instead, Miles took control when the game mattered most. With Minnesota leading 101-100 and less than 30 seconds remaining, she attacked the basket before finding veteran Natasha Howard for a crucial layup that extended the advantage.
Moments later, Miles drew a foul and calmly converted a free throw to push the lead to four points, effectively putting the game out of reach. It was another example of the poise she has displayed throughout her rookie season.
The sequence underscored why Minnesota has quickly entrusted Miles with significant responsibilities. Despite being only months into her professional career, she continues to play with the composure of a seasoned veteran, particularly in high-pressure situations.
2. Sue Bird Recognizes a Special Talent
Following the game, Sue Bird offered insight into what makes Miles such a unique prospect. Bird, who entered the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2002 and went on to become one of the league’s defining players, emphasized the self-awareness Miles brings to the court.
According to Bird, many young players enter the league still searching for their identity as professionals. Miles, however, appears to possess a clear understanding of who she is and how she wants to play.
Bird pointed to the path Miles took before arriving in the WNBA as evidence of that confidence. After beginning her collegiate career at Notre Dame, Miles made the decision to spend a fifth season at TCU, a move that allowed her to continue developing both on and off the court.
That experience seems to have prepared her for the challenges associated with transitioning to the professional game. Rather than requiring an adjustment period, Miles has immediately emerged as one of the league’s most productive guards and an important piece of Minnesota’s future.
3. Building a Historic Rookie Campaign
Miles’ performance against Phoenix added another milestone to an already historic season. With her 33-point outing, she became the fastest player in WNBA history to record 400 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists.
The accomplishment further illustrates the all-around impact she has had during her first year in the league. Entering the week, Miles was averaging 19.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game—numbers that compare favorably with some of the best rookie seasons in WNBA history.
Her success has not gone unnoticed. In addition to Bird’s praise, former NBA MVP Kevin Garnett has also publicly recognized her talent, while coaches and opponents alike have acknowledged the challenges she presents on a nightly basis.
Like Bird before her, Miles earned an All-Star selection during her rookie season, an achievement reserved for only the league’s most impactful newcomers. At just 23 years old, she appears poised to remain a central figure in the WNBA for years to come.