Marine Fauthoux should have been the top story coming out of Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals, but the Atlanta Dream had other plans. The New York Liberty rookie scored 20 points on 8-for-10 shooting in 31 minutes, and she recorded six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Fathoux was vital for the Liberty off the bench, including hitting the game-tying 3-pointer to send the game into overtime.
"She lives for big moments. That's the type of player she is," head coach Chris DeMarco said in the postgame press conference.
Unfortunately for Fauthoux, her performance will be forgotten, as will Breanna Stewart's historic 35-10-5 night, now that the Liberty are in a 0-2 hole.
New York has to move on quickly
New York faces a win-or-go-home game Friday, and DeMarco must decide if he wants to start Fauthoux for Game 3 or give Astier another chance to improve.
It would be wise of the Liberty head coach to ride the hot hand and perhaps try out lineups with Astier and Fauthoux together, especially if Ionescu or Leonie Fiebich aren't giving you enough.
Wednesday should have been the "Fauthoux Game," and she'll have to try to repeat her performance in Game 3.
Fauthoux is a rookie in name only
One of the key themes of the 2026 season has been the growth of international talent, and for the Liberty, their French trio of Fauthoux, Marine Johannes, and Pauline Astier has carried them this season.
Fauthoux has been a pro since 2018, and she's played for the French national team in two Olympic Games and two EuroBaskets. She also signed with EuroLeague juggernaut Galatasaray this year.
The rookie has been called upon when the Liberty's key contributors were out due to injury, and she's been solid whenever she gets the opportunity.
Fauthoux, who is billed as five-foot-nine, notably had her first career double-double of her WNBA career when she recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds against the Dallas Wings on July 20.
Her career-high in points before Game 2 also was against the Dream when she scored 14 points on Sept. 23.
On paper, the 25-year-old is battle-tested, and she proved Wednesday night that she can thrive in the WNBA.
Fauthoux held her own on defense and helped initiate New York's offense. She also helped pick up the slack from a poor performance by Sabrina Ionescu. The biggest blemishes from Fauthoux's career night were her three turnovers, one of which came during a critical stretch as the Liberty were trying to put the Dream away.
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