The Minnesota Lynx turned Monday night into another statement, beating the Phoenix Mercury 111-77 for their second regular-season win over last year’s semifinal opponent.
That result carried a revenge edge after Phoenix ended Minnesota’s 2025 season, with Courtney Williams as the clear headliner after a 30-point display.
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Still, 23-year-old Olivia Miles deserved her own spotlight. The rookie guard delivered another complete performance, and it came with a piece of WNBA history.
Olivia Miles makes WNBA history against Phoenix Mercury
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
According to StatMuse, Miles became the first rookie in WNBA history to record 19 points, nine assists and three steals while shooting at least 75% from the field.
She finished 7-of-9 from the floor, giving Minnesota control without needing volume. That is exactly why her early impact has felt bigger than a normal rookie adjustment.
Miles is averaging 15.8 points, five rebounds and 6.2 assists in her first WNBA season, giving the Lynx a true all-around engine while the campaign is still forming.
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Her production has also been steady. ESPN noted she tied the longest streak by a Lynx rookie scoring double-figures, as the 23-year-old has done it in nine straight games.
That puts her alongside Seimone Augustus and Tonya Edwards in franchise history, which is a serious marker for any first-year guard in Minnesota.
The Lynx are now 7-2, and the rookie has been central to how balanced they look. She scores, organises possessions and gives Williams more freedom to attack.
That partnership was obvious in Phoenix. Williams supplied the scoring burst, but Miles gave the performance its shape, pace and control.
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Minnesota’s season is still young, but Miles is already giving the Lynx something reliable.
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