French Firepower — Johannès and Astier Outlast Mystics in OT Thriller
French Firepower — Johannès and Astier Outlast Mystics in OT Thriller
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Who needs a full deck when you’ve got an ace up your sleeve and a rookie who plays like a ten-year vet?
Despite being down three starters—including superstar Sabrina Ionescu—the New York Liberty (2-0) remained perfect on Sunday, surviving a back-and-forth overtime dogfight to beat the Washington Mystics 98-93. It was a game defined by French flair, defensive "stocks," and a rookie debut that put the league on notice.
The Marine Johannès Masterclass
If there were any questions about who would carry the scoring load with Ionescu sidelined, Marine Johannès provided a 25-point answer. Johannès was absolutely lethal from distance, tying her career high with six 3-pointers. In doing so, she became just the second player in WNBA history to open a season with back-to-back games of five or more triples. When the Liberty needed a bucket to weather Washington's surges, Johannès was there to provide the "Zero Filter" offense that has become her trademark.
A Rookie for the History Books
While Johannès provided the fireworks, rookie Pauline Astier provided the poise. In just her second professional game, Astier put up a stat line—18 points, seven assists, and five rebounds—that has only been matched by legends like Candace Parker and Paige Bueckers in their rookie seasons. Whether she was driving to the cup or ice-cold at the charity stripe to seal the game in OT, Astier looked like she belonged in the spotlight.
Key Takeaways
Stewie’s Milestone Night: Breanna Stewart was her usual elite self, dropping 23 points and nine rebounds. She became only the seventh player in WNBA history to start a season with consecutive 20-point, 4-"stock" (steals + blocks) games. Even after missing a potential game-winner in regulation, her defensive presence in overtime helped hold Washington without a field goal for the first three-plus minutes of the extra period.
The Mystics’ Youth Movement: Washington (1-1) didn’t go down without a fight. Kiki Iriafen was a force inside with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Sonia Citron and Shakira Austin kept the Mystics in the hunt until the final seconds of OT.
Overcoming the Injury Bug: Missing Ionescu (foot), Satou Sabally (cyst), and Rebecca Allen (leg) would tank most teams. The Liberty responded by shooting a blistering 59.4% in the first half—the second-highest percentage by any team in a single half this year.
Clutch at the Line: In the high-pressure moments of overtime, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and Astier combined for the crucial free throws that finally put the Mystics away.
The Stats
Player Points Notable
Marine Johannès (NYL) 25 Franchise record 11 3 PM in first 2 games
Breanna Stewart (NYL) 23 6th on Liberty all-time scoring list
Pauline Astier (NYL) 18 Joined Parker & Bueckers in rookie history
Kiki Iriafen (WAS) 20 12 Rebounds
The Bottom Line: This Liberty team is deep, dangerous, and resilient. Winning a road overtime game while severely short-handed is a statement to the rest of the league: the championship road still runs through Brooklyn.
Up Next: The Liberty travel to Portland on Tuesday, while the Mystics head to Indiana on Friday.
