The New York Liberty currently sit atop the WNBA standings, but their latest victory in Washington was less of a coronation and more of a survival act. In a game that pushed both teams into overtime, the Liberty secured a 98-93 win over the Washington Mystics, fueled by a career-defining performance from Marine Johannès and a clinical debut series from rookie Pauline Astier.
Johannès, whose creative playstyle has long been a point of fascination for basketball purists, delivered what is widely being called the best game of her WNBA career. Finishing with 25 points, Johannès wasn’t just scoring; she was orchestrating the offense with a series of signature step-back jumpers that left the Washington defense grasping at air. Her 6-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc provided the necessary spacing and scoring punch to keep New York afloat during the Mystics’ most aggressive runs.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Johannès, who appears to have found a symbiotic relationship with new head coach Chris DeMarco. Under DeMarco’s system, Johannès has been granted a more defined role that leverages her shot-making ability, allowing her to operate with a level of freedom that was less evident in previous campaigns. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Johannès had not only improved her personal career-high but had solidified her status as a primary offensive engine for a Liberty team heavily favored to contend for the title.
Marine Johannès a mis 25 pions à 8 sur 15 au tir aujourd’hui face à Washington dans une win en overtime. C’est l’un des meilleurs matchs de sa vie en WNBA, elle semble être mieux utilisée cette saison. 🙌 #WNBA
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) May 10, 2026
The Emergence of Pauline Astier
While Johannès provided the fireworks, rookie Pauline Astier provided the stability. Starting her second consecutive game, the French point guard delivered a comprehensive stat line: 18 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 critical steals. Astier’s impact was most felt during the overtime period, where she scored eight of the Liberty’s 13 points, showcasing a “clutch” gene that is rare for a first-year player.
Astier’s efficiency—shooting 6-of-10 from the field and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line—places her in an elite statistical bracket. Early analysis suggests her opening performance mirrors the trajectories of legendary figures like Candace Parker and Paige Bueckers, marking her as a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year honors. Together, Johannès and Astier have formed a “French Connection” in the Liberty backcourt that has fundamentally shifted New York’s offensive dynamics.
Pauline Astier se distingue à New York ! 🗽 Pour son deuxième match en WNBA, la Française a envoyé 18 points, 5 rebonds et 7 passes décisives en étant bien, bien clutch ! ❄️ #WNBA
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) May 10, 2026
A Global Night: The French Wave Across the League
The influence of French talent extended far beyond New York on this third night of the season. In Seattle, the Storm secured their first win of the year with an 89-82 victory over the Connecticut Sun. The game was decided by a sudden burst of offensive brilliance from Lexie Brown, who hit four consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter to turn a narrow 51-54 deficit into a 63-54 lead.
Dominique Malonga, the second overall pick of the 2025 Draft, struggled with foul trouble throughout the contest. Despite limited minutes (20), Malonga contributed 6 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals, proving her defensive utility even in a restricted role. Meanwhile, the Connecticut Sun are facing a personnel crisis. According to ESPN’s Alexia Philippou, coach Rachid Meziane has urgently contacted Leïla Lacan, currently competing in the playoffs with Basket Landes in France, urging her to join the team immediately.
In the Bay Area, the Golden State Valkyries continued their strong start with a 95-79 win over the Phoenix Mercury. The victory was a showcase for Janelle Salaün and Gabby Williams. Salaün, coming off the bench, scored 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, propelling her into the league’s top 10 scorers. Williams was equally dominant in her debut at “Ballhalla,” the Valkyries’ home arena, recording 19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 interceptions, and a block.
| Player | Team | Points | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Johannès | NY Liberty | 25 | Career-high points |
| Janelle Salaün | GS Valkyries | 21 | 7/10 FG% |
| Gabby Williams | GS Valkyries | 19 | 4 Steals |
| Pauline Astier | NY Liberty | 18 | 7 Assists |
| Dominique Malonga | Seattle Storm | 6 | 3 Blocks |
Aces Dominate in Las Vegas
The most lopsided affair of the night took place in Los Angeles, where the Las Vegas Aces dismantled the Sparks 105-78. Coming off a frustrating loss to Phoenix, the Aces played with a palpable aggression. Jackie Young led the charge with 20 points and 9 assists, while Chennedy Carter provided a massive spark off the bench with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting.
The Sparks, conversely, struggled to find any rhythm. Despite a 27-point effort from Kelsey Plum, the team appeared disjointed. Cameron Brink, a key piece of the Sparks’ interior defense, saw her influence minimized, playing only eight minutes off the bench in a game where the Aces’ offense was virtually unstoppable.
Chennedy Carter and Jackie Young were COOKIN’ in the @lvaces win over the Sparks! 🤩 Chennedy had 22 PTS & 2 STLS while Jackie put up 20 PTS, 9 ASTS & 5 REBS! #WNBATipOff2026
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 11, 2026
As the league settles into its early rhythm, the New York Liberty remain the team to beat, though the emergence of the Valkyries and the resurgence of the Aces suggest the race for the playoffs will be more contested than early projections indicated. The WNBA will take a brief hiatus tonight, with the next set of matchups scheduled for Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
What do you think of Marine Johannès’ new role under Chris DeMarco? Let us know in the comments and share this story with other WNBA fans.
