Lynx guard Olivia Miles continues to build ROY case in win over Storm

Miles was great at initiating offenses for others, too, finding teammates with several phenomenal passes in the third quarter, when the Lynx broke open the game after taking a two-point lead into halftime.

Afterward, Natasha Howard, who had a game-high 27 points, praised the rookie's play, telling ESPN's Angel Gray, "She sees the game very clear."

Howard elaborated, adding, "She plays like she's a vet herself. That's the thing. I love it. I love what she brings to the table to help everybody out on the floor."

Per the ESPN broadcast, Miles already has three games with 15 points, five assists and five rebounds, the most by a Lynx rookie in franchise history.

Her play has helped Minnesota not only stay afloat but thrive as star Napheesa Collier recovers from offseason ankle surgery. The Lynx (9-2) are first in the league standings and outscoring opponents by 11.9 points per game.

With it unclear exactly when Collier will return, Miles must continue producing to keep Minnesota in first and maintain her lead atop the Rookie of the Years favorites.

Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick, is having an impressive year, averaging 12 points per game on 56.3/41.7 shooting splits. Chicago Sky guard Gabriela Jaquez (11.5 points, 5.3 rebounds), Toronto Tempo guard Kiki Rice (12.7 points, 4.7 rebounds) and Storm guard Flau'jae Johnson (11.6 points, five rebounds) are also off to noteworthy starts.

But Miles and the Lynx stand alone thus far. And the gap may only widen from here.