Former Notre Dame standout Olivia Miles has officially etched her name into WNBA history, surpassing Caitlin Clark’s single-season rookie scoring record during the Minnesota Lynx’s 101–89 victory over the Connecticut Sun on September 20, 2026. Miles entered the game needing only one point to move past Clark’s previous mark of 769 points.
The historic moment arrived early in the second quarter. After going scoreless during the opening period, Miles got to the free-throw line and knocked down the shots that pushed her beyond Clark’s 2024 rookie total. It was a relatively simple play, but it officially changed the WNBA record book.
Miles ultimately finished the night with 21 points, bringing her season total to 790. She also contributed six assists while shooting 7-for-10 from the field, helping Minnesota secure another important victory as the regular season approached its conclusion.
The achievement is particularly notable because Miles and Clark reached their respective rookie scoring totals in 40 games. Miles therefore did not need additional appearances beyond the number of games Clark played when she established the previous record in 2024.
Clark’s rookie campaign had previously set a remarkably high standard. In 2024, the Indiana Fever guard finished with 769 points, establishing the WNBA rookie scoring record before Miles eventually overtook it two seasons later.
For Miles, the record is another milestone in what has already been a remarkable debut season. The Minnesota guard has also broken other rookie records previously associated with Clark, including the rookie single-game three-point record after making eight three-pointers against Golden State earlier in the season.
Miles has also produced across several areas of the game. Entering the Connecticut matchup, she was averaging roughly 19.7 points, 6.0 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game, making her one of the central players in Minnesota’s successful 2026 campaign.
The former Notre Dame star’s transition to the professional game has therefore attracted significant attention. Selected second overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Miles quickly established herself as a major contributor for a Minnesota team competing near the top of the league standings.
The timing of the record also adds another layer to the story. Minnesota’s victory over Connecticut improved the Lynx’s position as the regular season moved toward its final games, while Miles continued adding to her scoring total. Reports noted that the Lynx were closing in on securing the No. 1 seed.
Importantly, Miles has spoken about the achievement in the context of team success rather than treating the individual record as a standalone accomplishment. After the game, she credited her teammates, veteran players and coach for creating an environment that allowed her to play her game and reach the milestone.
Now sitting at 790 points, Miles has moved ahead of Clark’s 769-point benchmark by 21 points. Her total will remain a significant reference point for future WNBA rookies, while Clark’s 2024 season remains an important part of the league’s recent history.
The record also highlights the rapid development of young talent in the WNBA. Clark’s rookie season helped establish a new scoring benchmark, and Miles has now produced another historic campaign by surpassing it in the same number of games.
For Minnesota, however, the record is only part of the larger picture. Miles’ scoring has come alongside playmaking and rebounding contributions, giving the Lynx another dynamic offensive option as they prepare for the postseason.
Olivia Miles has officially taken the top spot in the WNBA’s rookie single-season scoring record book. Caitlin Clark’s 769-point mark stood since 2024, but after Sunday’s 21-point performance against Connecticut, Miles finished at 790 and created a new benchmark for future rookies to chase.
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