French rookies provide hope for Libertys future after embarrassing end to season
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. Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA.
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. 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.” Pauline Astier also deserves recognition for her rookie season.
She was thrust into a larger role than anticipated because of injuries. Astier responde...