Liberty’s Late-Game Spark

In a recent game in Los Angeles, Sparks guard Erica Wheeler seemed to engage in some conversation with Liberty’s developmental player, Marine Fortu, while she was lined up for free throws in the dying moments of the fourth quarter.

Fortu, all smiles, sank both shots, extending Liberty’s lead to seven points with just 32.7 seconds remaining.

This interaction may well inform the approaches of future opponents.

“The more you talk to me, the more confident I get,” Fortu shared after the Liberty’s 113-109 win. “I was really pleased that she spoke to me, because that made me confident I would succeed.”

And succeed she did.

Fortu had a noteworthy performance, achieving double digits in scoring for the second time in three games.

She scored 10 of her career-best 13 points during the fourth quarter.

Fortu’s emergence comes at a crucial time, as her teammate Pauline Astier appears to be struggling a bit lately. Astier was impressive in the season’s early stages, but she hasn’t reached 10 points since July 12. She has mentioned looking forward to the All-Star break, seeking a much-needed rest since this has been her first year playing all the games.

With Astier facing some challenges, Fortu has started to play a vital role in the backcourt rotation.

However, she has only participated in seven out of 12 games as a developmental player. If the Liberty aim to retain her for the long haul and make a playoff push, they may need to convert her to a standard contract, which would mean letting go of at least one player.

Rebecca Gardner has taken notice of Fortu, especially after she rehabbed from a knee injury prior to the season.

“She has been preparing for this moment and has really stepped up,” Gardner commented. “Have you seen her play overseas? This is just how she performs. It’s thrilling to see her jump right into the WNBA and not shy away from challenges, despite being a developmental player who doesn’t always get as many reps or the rhythm others do. It’s impressive that she came in and did that.”

Gardner also noted that she led the Liberty’s bench to a 41-19 win over the Sparks’ reserves, marking the highest scoring output from New York’s bench since Game 2 of the season.

This season has tested Liberty’s depth due to injuries, and games like Tuesday’s can significantly bolster team confidence, Gardner explained.

“These types of games are going to be useful for us moving forward… our bench has gained that experience,” she reflected. “We always discuss the bench’s role, and the more we excel, the easier it will be for the starters.”