--- title: "Lynx's Miles Sizzles in Record Half, Finishes with 31 vs. Sparks" description: "Rookie guard Olivia Miles puts on a historic first-half scoring show, powering the Lynx to a 99-83 win and reshaping the Rookie of the Year race." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/lynx-s-miles-sizzles-in-record-half-finishes-with-31-vs-sp-c4ba149d published: 2026-06-18T10:39:07.445+00:00 updated: 2026-06-18T10:39:07.445+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Lynx's Miles Sizzles in Record Half, Finishes with 31 vs. Sparks > Rookie guard Olivia Miles puts on a historic first-half scoring show, powering the Lynx to a 99-83 win and reshaping the Rookie of the Year race. Olivia Miles etched her name in WNBA history Wednesday night, scoring a rookie-record 24 points in the first half en route to a career-high 31 as the Minnesota Lynx routed the Los Angeles Sparks 99-83. The rookie guard was unstoppable from the opening tip, attacking the rim and knocking down jumpers from all three levels. Her 24-point first half broke the previous WNBA rookie record for most points in a half, and she continued her hot shooting after the break. She finished with a career-high 31 points on efficient shooting, adding 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Miles' aggressiveness drew fouls and created opportunities for teammates. The Lynx built a lead that reached 22 points in the second half, cruising to the 16-point victory. Miles' teammates and coaches erupted in celebration as she exited the game in the fourth quarter. The sold-out Target Center crowd gave her a standing ovation, acknowledging a performance that will be remembered as a breakthrough moment. Head coach Cheryl Reeve praised Miles' growing confidence and poise, calling the outing a 'statement' for the rookie. What's next: With this win, the Lynx strengthen their position in the Western Conference playoff race. Miles has elevated her Rookie of the Year candidacy to front-runner status, and her ability to score in bunches forces opposing defenses to adjust their game plans. Minnesota looks to build on this momentum in their upcoming games as Miles continues to emerge as a legitimate star. ## Why this matters Olivia Miles' record-setting half is more than a one-night highlight — it signals a shift in the Rookie of the Year race and the Lynx's offensive identity. By scoring 24 points in the first half, Miles proved she can be a primary scoring option, alleviating pressure on veterans like Napheesa Collier. Her performance forces opponents to respect her as a three-level threat, opening up the floor for Minnesota's offense. In a tight Western Conference, having a rookie capable of such outbursts gives the Lynx a crucial edge. Miles now emerges as the clear front-runner for ROY, with a national spotlight on her growing star power. ## Frequently asked ### What record did Olivia Miles set? Miles scored 24 points in the first half against the Los Angeles Sparks, surpassing the previous WNBA rookie record for points in a half. It is the highest scoring half by a rookie in league history. ### How does this affect the Rookie of the Year race? Miles' record-breaking performance puts her firmly in the conversation. With consistent scoring and leadership, she now rivals other top rookies like Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink for the award. ### What does this mean for the Minnesota Lynx? The Lynx gain a dynamic floor general capable of taking over games. Miles' scoring outburst shows she can be a primary option, boosting the team's playoff hopes in a tight Western Conference. ## Sources & Citations - [Lynx's Miles sizzles in record half, finishes with 31 vs. Sparks](https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/49104244/lynx-miles-sizzles-record-half-finishes-31-vs-sparks) — ESPN (2026-06-18) --- Cite: Lynx's Miles Sizzles in Record Half, Finishes with 31 vs. Sparks. Sportopod, 2026-06-18. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/lynx-s-miles-sizzles-in-record-half-finishes-with-31-vs-sp-c4ba149d