WASHINGTON — Pauline Astier stepped to the free-throw line Sunday with 19.3 seconds left in overtime and a chance to pad the Liberty’s two-point lead.
It was a big moment for any player, let alone a rookie guard who’s playing in only her second WNBA game.
“I was just trying to breathe,” Astier told The Post. “I was like, ‘OK, it’s just more free throws.’ … I was just trying to be cool.”
Astier made both free throws on that trip to the line and sank two more later to help the Liberty clinch a 98-93 win against the Washington Mystics.
Astier has been with New York for about two weeks, but she’s already impressed the team’s stars with her confidence, poise and fearlessness while stepping in for an injured Sabrina Ionescu.
Jonquel Jones, who watched overtime from the bench, felt Astier’s performance down the stretch was both awe inspiring and anxiety inducing.
“She was out there splitting double-teams and stuff,” Jones said. “I’m like, ‘Girl, you gonna make my hair fall out. Just hold the ball.’ But you know she felt comfortable, so at the end of the day, she did what needed to be done and we got the win.”
Astier built upon a strong debut in Friday’s win against the Connecticut Sun, finishing with 18 points on 60 percent shooting, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals in nearly 35 minutes against the Mystics.
Astier is only the third rookie to put up a stat line like she did Sunday, joining Paige Bueckers and Candace Parker.
Both those players went on to win Rookie of the Year.
It’s too early to discuss this year’s race.
But Astier is off to a strong start with her disruptive defense and knack for finishing while going full speed at the basket.
She’s recorded 11 assists with only two turnovers in her first two games.
“I don’t have a lot of pressure. I’m just here to enjoy with the team,” Astier said. “We have a high goal and I’m a competitor. I want to win also, so I’m feeling really good in the team, in the system we play, so yeah, I’m just confident and happy to help the team win.”
Jones is excited to see her continue to bloom throughout the season.
“She plays with a lot of confidence and a lot of maturity and I’m just very happy that she’s on our team,” Jones said. “I’m super excited to see her just continue to mature and grow in this league and get even more comfortable. … She’s just doing exceptionally well and I’m happy to have her here.”
