Marine Johannès Scores Career-High 25 Points to Lead Liberty Past Mystics in OT
Marine Johannès etched her name into the WNBA record books for French players Saturday night, scoring a career-high 25 points—including six three-pointers—to lead the New York Liberty to a 98-93 overtime victory over the Washington Mystics. The performance marked the first time a French player has reached 25 points in a single WNBA game, and it propelled the Liberty to a 2-0 start in the 2026 season.
The Liberty’s win at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington was built on Johannès’ clutch shooting, but it was also a team effort. Breanna Stewart contributed 23 points and nine rebounds, while rookie Pauline Astier provided critical minutes off the bench. For the Mystics, Kiki Iriafen led the way with 20 points and 12 rebounds, but her efforts were not enough to overcome the Liberty’s late-game surge.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Liberty clinging to a one-point lead at halftime. The Mystics took the lead in the third quarter, but Johannès’ three-pointer with 1:30 remaining in regulation tied the score at 88-88. The Liberty’s defense stifled the Mystics in overtime, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on their own offensive opportunities to secure the victory.
Standout Performances
Johannès’ 25-point outburst was the story of the game, but several other players delivered standout performances:
- Breanna Stewart (Liberty): 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. Stewart’s leadership was evident as she controlled the tempo in the final minutes of regulation and overtime.
- Kiki Iriafen (Mystics): 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Iriafen was the Mystics’ lone bright spot, but her efforts were not enough to overcome the Liberty’s depth.
- Pauline Astier (Liberty): 12 points and 5 rebounds. The rookie’s energy and hustle played a key role in the Liberty’s defensive stops down the stretch.
What This Means for the Liberty and Mystics
The Liberty’s win solidifies their status as a contender in the Eastern Conference. With a 2-0 record, they are now tied for first place in the league, and Johannès’ breakout performance adds a new dimension to their offensive arsenal. For the Mystics, the loss drops them to 0-2, raising questions about their ability to overcome a slow start.
The Liberty’s next challenge comes on May 14, when they travel to face the Connecticut Sun. The Sun, currently 2-0, are looking to extend their early-season dominance. Meanwhile, the Mystics will look to bounce back against the Phoenix Mercury on May 12.
Next Up for the Liberty and Mystics
New York Liberty vs. Connecticut Sun – May 14, 2026, 8:00 PM ET (UTC-4) at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT.
Washington Mystics vs. Phoenix Mercury – May 12, 2026, 7:00 PM ET (UTC-4) at Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ.
Key Takeaways
- Marine Johannès set a new career-high with 25 points, including six three-pointers, marking the first time a French player has reached 25 points in a WNBA game.
- The Liberty’s victory improves their record to 2-0 and ties them for first place in the Eastern Conference.
- Breanna Stewart and Pauline Astier provided critical support, while Kiki Iriafen was the Mystics’ lone standout.
- The Liberty’s next test comes against the 2-0 Connecticut Sun, while the Mystics look to rebound against the Mercury.
What do you think of Marine Johannès’ breakout performance? Will the Liberty’s hot start carry them deep into the playoffs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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