Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles has racked up rookie records at will, just like Caitlin Clark did in 2024 en route to winning the Rookie of the Year award. While Clark is the more renowned shooter, Miles set a 3-point record in Thursday’s game against the Golden State Valkyries, surpassing the mark set by the Indiana Fever star in her first year.
Miles recorded eight 3-pointers as she finished with a career-high 28 points. She missed only three attempts from deep. Clark shared the record with Crystal Robinson after making seven 3-pointers in a game against the Washington Mystics on June 7, 2024.
For Miles, this was a bolt from the blue, given that she was converting only 11.1% of her shots from beyond the arc before Thursday’s game. Miles was 2-for-18 on the season. After this game, her 3-point efficiency has drastically improved to 34.5% (10-for-29).
What’s even more special about such an effort is that Miles did it in a winning cause. Her performance was decisive as the Lynx secured an 87-84 win. Miles’ hot shooting night kept Minnesota in the contest, especially with no other starter shooting 45.0% or better from the field. The Lynx shot 13 triples as a team on 26 attempts.
Olivia Miles’ 3-point shooting was the highlight of the night, but that’s not the only area where she contributed. The No. 2 pick maintained her elite playmaking numbers with seven assists while also contributing on defense with four rebounds and three blocks. Miles shot 56.3% from the field, with only one shot coming from inside the arc.
The veteran-rich Lynx have improved to a league-best 8-2 record with Miles as their best player in the absence of superstar Napheesa Collier.
Swin Cash compares Olivia Miles to WNBA legend Maya Moore amid career night
Yesteryear WNBA All-Star Swin Cash’s latest comments on Olivia Miles suggest the sky is the limit for the Lynx rookie. Cash, now a Prime Sports analyst, compared the No. 2 pick to the legendary Maya Moore.
“Immediately, what came to my mind – how she’s poised, how she’s confident in her shot – I went to Maya Moore, one of the greats that played there in Minnesota,” Cash said. ” (She) also had the ability to play through (her) mistakes. Now, they’re not the same position, but the makeup of the player is very much the same.”
Her co-analyst and former player, Tamera Young, also agreed. She guarded Maya Moore at her best. Young compared their intensity, relentlessness and poise, suggesting they were similar.
Olivia Miles could quickly turn into a household name at this rate. She’s soaring up the Rookie of the Year charts with efficient and consistent displays.
Read more:
- 2x NBA Champ Fuels Caitlin Clark Fever Exit Buzz With Bold Claim
- Teaira McCowan Reveals What Makes Olivia Miles Different From Most Young Point Guards
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