Can Olivia Miles Win MVP Award Over A’ja Wilson?

While Wilson is by far the top pick once again and is on route to win her fifth (!) MVP award, nobody expected a rookie to be her direct competitor. But then again, Miles is no ordinary rookie, as we have all witnessed.

Miles became the first player in WNBA history to record 400 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists in 22 games.

The No. 2 overall draft pick leads all rookies in points (19.3 ppg), made field goals (6.8) and assists (6.0). She’s scored double-digits in all 26 games to start her career, including a career-high 33 points against Phoenix earlier this season.

And to top it all off, Miles was named an All-Star starter, the only rookie to receive the honor this season.

“(Miles) doing this and shouldering so much, basically… the success of the team is on her shoulders and that is impressive how she’s handled it,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said about Miles, who carried the team’s offensive load without Napheesa Collier.

If the season ended today, Miles would be one of the deserving winners of the award, considering all factors.

But the next stretch of games will decide if the rookie can actually topple the four-time MVP and create history as the only player since Candace Parker in 2008 to potentially win the Rookie of the Year and the MVP award in the same season.

Meanwhile, especially after the recent games, fans are also shouting out Caitlin Clark to be in the MVP race.

Is Caitlin Clark a Frontrunner for the MVP Award this Season?

Safe to say Clark had a slow start to her third season in the W, adding on the fact that her back issues put her on a minutes restriction as well.

Still, Clark has come roaring back following the minor setback, and her recent performances tell the whole story.

Clark put together yet another insane game on Tuesday night in a win over the Seattle Storm, finishing with 32 points, four rebounds and seven assists.

It’s the third time in four games that she’s scored at least 27 points, and Indiana has now won four games in a row. 

Clark has also climbed up the statistics, ranking fourth in the WNBA in scoring (21.5 points) and second in assists (7.9).

While betting odds suggest she is still trailing Wilson, Miles, and Bueckers, Clark has more than enough time to catch up with 16 regular-season games remaining for the Fever.