When the Minnesota Lynx drafted Olivia Miles with the second overall pick last month, they knew they were getting a special talent. What they didn't expect was that she'd already be running the show.
Through just three games, the rookie guard is making history—and winning over a locker room full of veterans in the process.
With MVP candidate Napheesa Collier sidelined for at least another two months due to a long-term injury, the Lynx entered the season facing lower expectations than usual. But Miles has stepped into the void with authority, proving that Minnesota's retooled roster is still a force to be reckoned with.
On Thursday night, Miles dropped 15 points and dished out six assists as the Lynx held off the Dallas Wings 90-86, improving to 2-1 on the young season. Those numbers aren't just good—they're historic. Miles became just the fifth player in WNBA history to average 15 points and five assists through their first three games, joining an elite club that includes Sue Bird, Caitlin Clark, Candace Parker, and Nikki McCray.
Her 21 total assists in three games are tied for the fourth-highest total by any player in their first three career games. Not bad for a rookie finding her footing in the pros.
All-Star guard Courtney Williams, who has been playing alongside Miles, couldn't hide her excitement. "Oh man, it's been a ball," Williams said after Thursday's win. "I'm just happy to kind of be back at my natural position, and she's doing a hell of a job. She's the captain of the ship, so for her to be a rookie coming in and doing what she's doing, that girl is gonna be a problem."
Miles' playmaking ability—honed during her standout college career at Notre Dame and TCU—has translated seamlessly to the professional level. She's already outshining Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick who went to the Wings. And with Collier's eventual return later this season, the Lynx could become a nightmare matchup for the rest of the league.
For now, Miles is proving that leadership isn't about tenure—it's about presence. And she's bringing plenty of that to Minnesota.