French guard Marine Fauthoux made the most of her opportunities in the Liberty’s semifinal series against the Dream.
She provided an offensive spark in the second half of Game 1. Coach Chris DeMarco relied on her more in Game 2, where she recorded 20 points, six rebounds and four assists.
In Game 3, Fauthoux was the only reserve who checked in during the second half.
She played all but two minutes in the final two quarters — a telling sign of the trust she earned when the stakes were highest.
Fauthoux’s extended playing time was more than an opportunity to help the team in the specific matchup nightmare Atlanta presented. It also was a glimpse of what she could bring moving forward.
After starting the season on a developmental contract as she continued to work her way back from a yearlong layoff following a knee injury, Fauthoux signed her first standard contract in August after the Liberty waived Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.
season-ending loss to the Dream in Game 3 of their WNBA
semifinals matchup on Oct. 9, 2026 at Barclays Center. NBAE via Getty Images
Fauthoux, who will be under contract through next season, represents an important piece of the team’s future, offering a chance to build on her experience and potentially carve out a larger role within the rotation.
The Liberty veterans were impressed with Fauthoux’s poise in the playoffs, despite her playing time varying up to that point.
“I think you saw what she’s been able to do,” Sabrina Ionescu said. “She hasn’t played basketball in a year, coming back from injury and to be able to witness the hard work that she put in all through training camp every single day, it’s a testament of just the players that we have here, their love for the game, their love for this organization but also just how everyone’s so important.”
season-ending loss to the Dream. NBAE via Getty Images
Pauline Astier also deserves recognition for her rookie season. She was thrust into a larger role than anticipated because of injuries.
Astier responded with an impressive campaign. She was highly efficient at finishing at the rim, converting on 69.5 percent of her attempts. She averaged 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
“Pauline as a rookie who came in and earned her spot, starting, and picked up players full court,” Ionescu said. “Just learned the offense with a really veteran team and kind of just found her voice and consistently got in the paint for us, and helped us win so many games. And so sky’s the limit for her, it was really fun for I know for us to watch her growth over the year.”
