Less than three weeks into the WNBA season, the league has already delivered a thrilling mix of close games, high-scoring performances, and standout rookie debuts. Thirteen games have been decided by five points or fewer, nine players have scored over 30 points in a game, and there have been two overtime nail-biters. Team identities are forming, and MVP discussions are underway, but it is the rookies who are capturing the spotlight.
Olivia Miles Joins Elite Company
Olivia Miles, the No. 2 overall pick, has been spectacular in her first six games, averaging 15 points and five assists per game. She joins Candace Parker, Sue Bird, Caitlin Clark, and Sabrina Ionescu as the only players in WNBA history to achieve that feat. Miles leads all rookies in scoring and has helped the Minnesota Lynx secure fourth place despite the absence of Napheesa Collier. Her energy on the court, including her signature skip after big plays, has been infectious. She has elevated teammates like Courtney Williams, Natasha Howard, and Kayla McBride. If Miles continues at this pace, she is the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
Azzi Fudd Sets Rookie Record
Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick, had her breakout game against the New York Liberty, scoring a career-high 24 points off the bench. She made six three-pointers, breaking the rookie franchise record previously held by teammate Paige Bueckers. Fudd scored 17 points in the third quarter, the second-most single-quarter points by a rookie in WNBA history. Despite her performance, head coach Jose Fernandez has not committed to moving her into the starting lineup. Fudd admitted she had been rushing her shots in previous games, but this game will serve as a confidence booster.
Awa Fam Makes Storm Debut
Awa Fam, the No. 3 pick, made her WNBA debut for the Seattle Storm after winning the Spanish league championship with Valencia. She scored 10 points in a 97-85 victory over the Washington Mystics. At 19 years old, Fam is the 14th teenager to play in the WNBA and only the second to score double digits in her debut. The Storm's young core, including Fam, Flau'jae Johnson, and Dominique Malonga, points to a bright future for the franchise.
Trending Up: Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream sit in first place at 4-1 after defeating the Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury. With Rhyne Howard back from concussion protocol, the Dream look like strong title contenders, even without All-Star forward Brionna Jones.
Can't-Miss Matchups
- Indiana Fever vs. Golden State Valkyries: Thursday, May 28, 10 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime. The Fever won their last meeting with Caitlin Clark scoring 22 points. Now they face the Valkyries at Ballhalla, one of the toughest home courts.
- Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx: Friday, May 29, 7:30 p.m. ET, ION. The teams have split their first two meetings. This game could be crucial for playoff positioning later in the season.
Tunnel Picks: Animal Print Power
Monique Billings of the Indiana Fever wore a full cheetah outfit, coinciding with Raven-Symoné attending a WNBA game. Satou Sabally of the New York Liberty debuted with an iconic look featuring a fiery red lip. Cameron Brink of the Los Angeles Sparks stunned in a leopard matching short-jacket set from last season.
This article is an extract from WNBA 30, where Jordan Robinson covers the biggest stories in the league each week. Subscribe for free.
