Olivia Miles passes WNBA legend while chasing Caitlin Clark’s rookie record originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Olivia Miles has spent her first WNBA season doing far more than adjusting to the professional game. The Minnesota Lynx guard is already rewriting the league’s rookie record book.
Miles recorded the 225th assist of her career Monday night against the Golden State Valkyries, passing Hall of Famer Ticha Penicheiro for the second-most assists by a rookie in WNBA history. The milestone arrived during the first quarter at Target Center. Miles delivered a pass to Napheesa Collier, who powered through three defenders to finish the possession.
It was Miles’ third assist of the game and the one that officially moved her ahead of Penicheiro.
“With this assist to Phee, Olivia Miles recorded her 225th assist of the season,” the WNBA announced on X. “She passes Ticha Penicheiro for the 2nd-most by a rookie in WNBA history!”
Miles moves closer to Caitlin Clark’s recordMiles now trails only Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark on the league’s rookie assists list. Clark established the record with 337 assists during the 2024 season. Miles still has considerable ground to cover, but reaching second place with games remaining adds another accomplishment to a remarkable debut season.
The No. 2 selection in the 2026 WNBA Draft entered Monday averaging 20.0 points, 6.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.
🚨 With this assist to Phee, Olivia Miles recorded her 225th assist of the season 🚨
She passes Ticha Penicheiro for the 2nd-most by a rookie in WNBA history!
GSV-MIN | USA Network
Tap to watch: https://t.co/Dhs4SOd1Xmpic.twitter.com/2NAGp7jKHc
Miles has been remarkably efficient while carrying a significant offensive role. She was shooting 50.1 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from 3-point range, where she averaged 1.7 makes per game.
Those numbers helped Miles earn an All-Star selection during her first season. She also has established herself as the clear favorite for the Rookie of the Year award.
Her assist total illustrates only one portion of her value. Miles can create shots for herself, organize Minnesota’s offense and place teammates in advantageous positions. The milestone pass to Collier offered a perfect example of her feel for the game.
MORE: Caitlin Clark delivers final blow to Chicago Sky’s playoff hopes
Minnesota’s rookie is helping drive a title contenderMiles did not enter the league in a situation where she was expected to produce without meaningful pressure. The Lynx entered Monday with a WNBA-best 31-7 record and a six-game winning streak. A victory over Golden State would give Minnesota the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
The Valkyries entered as the league’s second-place team at 25-11, making Monday’s matchup much more than another regular-season game. Miles has managed to produce historic individual numbers while operating within a championship-caliber roster. That can be difficult for a young guard, particularly when sharing the floor with an established superstar such as Collier.
Instead of needing the offense built entirely around her, Miles has found ways to complement Minnesota’s veterans while still emerging as one of its most productive players. Passing Penicheiro is especially meaningful because of the former Sacramento Monarchs star’s place in WNBA history. Penicheiro retired with 2,599 assists and remains one of the greatest playmakers the league has seen.
Miles is only beginning her professional career, but her name already appears beside Penicheiro and Clark in the record book.
That is impressive company for any point guard, especially one still completing her rookie season.
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