After a rough three games for the Liberty, the 2024 champions bounced back against the Phoenix Mercury, beating the team twice in three days. The games, which marked the long-awaited return of German forward Leonie Fiebich, emphasized how much better the Liberty look when they can depend on their supporting cast.
Two-time MVP Breanna Stewart is obviously the star of this contending squad, but the front office in New York has done an amazing job surrounding her with pieces that can propel this team to stardom. During the third quarter of the first game against the Mercury, which they won 84-74, the Liberty went on a historic 23-0 run to stifle any chances of a Mercury upset, and Stewie was on the bench for much of it.
Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally are still finding their ways back onto the court, but the rest of their roster brings the energy needed to propel this team back to the Finals stage.
Marine Johannès the three-point wiz
The highlight of Wednesday's matchup was undoubtedly Marine Johannès. The French guard came out the gate hot, cashing in four three-point shots in the first quarter and finishing the game with eight. This performance was much needed–during the Liberty's skid, Johannès struggled on the scoring end of things, recording two consecutive games with 0 points.
While speaking to reporters she said, "I feel like even when I don't score, I can add something to the team...[people] are sometimes judging me a little bit because I don’t score every night." It's definitely a valid concern for fans to have: the guard has been known to be a bit streaky, and she slowed down in the rematch game against Phoenix, only scoring six points.
Still, though, Johannès was correct about her ability to affect games off the ball. She's averaging 4.2 assists and 1.3 steals this season alongside her 11.9 points, and often makes great reads to set her teammates up for success.
The Liberty are inching closer and closer to full strength
Wednesday's game against the Mercury was also the first game in which Leonie Fiebiech was available for the Liberty this year. Her impact was immediately felt, as she opened up scoring with a corner three and was met with thunderous applause. She ended the game with nine points and two steals, and in her minutes on the floor with Stewart, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, and Jonquel Jones, the Liberty looked like a defensive powerhouse.
Well it does appear that having Leonie Fiebich, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones defending together helps your defense out. pic.twitter.com/4LicegLN65
— Steve Jones (@stevejones20) May 27, 2026
Chinese center Han Xu and French rookie phenom Pauline Astier also chipped in to the win, scoring eight and seven points, respectively. Astier has firmly solidified herself as a Rookie of the Year candidate this year, and her 16 points led all scorers in the second matchup against the Mercury. The 24-year-old plays with a poise and patience that is rare in a rookie, and the Liberty are much better for it.
In a time where the game is growing like never before, the Liberty are a great reminder that the game is often better when it's accessible to more people around the globe. Get used to seeing more international players taking the reigns.
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