The New York Liberty have started the 2026 WNBA season strongly, sitting at 2-0. A 98-93 overtime win against Washington on Sunday highlighted the team’s early form. One Liberty rookie, Pauline Astier, stood out against the Mystics, entering elite territory after a superb game.
Astier Enters Record Books
Pauline Astier, the rookie point guard, shone against the Mystics after a quiet season opener. She now shares a distinction with two elite players in WNBA history. Astier, Paige Bueckers, and Candace Parker are the only rookies in WNBA history to record at least 18 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals on a 60% field goal percentage in a single game. Astier and Parker are the only two rookies to achieve this within their first two career games.
Astier also achieved a league first. She became the first rookie in WNBA history to log at least 20 points and 10 assists with no more than two turnovers through her first two career games.
Stepping Up in Ionescu’s Absence
Astier played 35 minutes at point guard, filling in for Sabrina Ionescu. The Liberty’s star point guard is sidelined with a preseason foot injury, with her return expected later this month. The 24-year-old French guard had previously impressed during the preseason, logging 12 points and four assists in her Liberty debut.
Liberty’s Dependable Depth
New York have thrived despite Ionescu’s absence, with Astier playing a significant role. Marine Johannes also deserves recognition for filling in for Ionescu. Johannes contributed 25 points against the Mystics, more than any other Liberty player.
The Liberty’s depth at guard is proving valuable. Fans can be confident that the team can overcome the absence of key players. This depth should prove useful over the course of the 44-game regular season.
Next up for the Liberty is a road game against the Fire on Tuesday.