In a thrilling overtime showdown, the New York Liberty edged the Washington Mystics 98-93 on Sunday, showcasing the firepower that makes them a team to watch this season. Marine Johannes was on fire from beyond the arc, draining six 3-pointers en route to a game-high 25 points, while Breanna Stewart added a robust 23 points and nine rebounds.
The Liberty (2-0) got a standout performance from rookie Pauline Astier, who shot an efficient 6-of-10 from the field and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line, finishing with 18 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals. Jonquel Jones also contributed a solid double-double threat with 13 points and eight rebounds.
The game wasn't without its drama. Stewart missed a potential game-winning jumper at the end of regulation, sending the contest into overtime. But the Liberty regrouped quickly. Johannes opened the extra period with a clutch 3-pointer, and Astier followed with a driving layup to give New York a six-point lead with 1:54 left. Washington fought back, with Shakira Austin answering with a layup and Kiki Iriafen sinking two free throws and a layup to tie the game at 92-all with 33.5 seconds remaining.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton calmly knocked down two free throws with 29 seconds left, and after Sonia Citron turned the ball over, Astier sealed the win with two more foul shots, putting the Liberty up 96-92 with 19 seconds to play.
For the Mystics (1-1), Iriafen led the charge with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Citron added 17 points. Austin posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Georgia Amoore dished out seven assists to go with seven points. Washington had a brief spark in the fourth quarter when Alex Wilson's offensive rebound and putback cut the lead to one, and Cassandre Prosper's reverse layup gave the Mystics their first lead since early in the second quarter.
The Liberty played shorthanded, missing key contributors Sabrina Ionescu (left foot), Satou Sabally (cyst), and Rebecca Allen (left leg). Despite those absences, New York's depth and resilience shone through, proving they have the grit to grind out wins in tight contests.