Liberty Guard Marin Johannes Steps Up in Early Season

WASHINGTON — Marin Johannes, the guard for the Liberty, understood that she’d need to take on a significant scoring role in the team’s revamped offense this season. With notable absences, including Sabrina Ionescu, Johannes felt even more pressure to step up her game.

Her impact has been evident in the first two games. After scoring 17 points in her debut, she went on to achieve a career-high of 25 points in Sunday’s 98-93 overtime victory against the Washington Mystics. Notably, she has made 11 of her 22 three-point attempts so far.

This impressive performance places her among just three players in WNBA history to hit at least 10 three-pointers in the opening two games of a season. She joins Nikki McCray in the record books as one of only two players to start a season with five or more threes in consecutive games.

During one crucial moment in the second quarter, Johannes intercepted a pass intended for Shakira Austin and confidently sank a pull-up three-pointer. That’s the version of Johannes that Chris DeMarco aimed to tap into this season after a challenging previous year.

DeMarco has encouraged Johannes to shoot freely, and she seems to be embracing this opportunity. “She’s a really special player,” DeMarco noted, adding that her confidence is crucial. He emphasized their willingness to accept the mistakes she might make as part of her growth. DeMarco also praised her competitive defensive play, suggesting that it boosts her offensive effectiveness.

Johannes isn’t the only French talent making an impact; rookie Pauline Astier has also shone in the first two games. On Sunday, she contributed 18 points, alongside five rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Notably, her stat line aligns her with legendary rookies Paige Bueckers and Candace Parker, both of whom won Rookie of the Year honors.

Astier’s performance was pivotal, particularly her two free throws with 12 seconds left that secured the win for the Liberty.

Currently, the Liberty have just nine active players (including two on hardship contracts) due to injuries and overseas commitments affecting their roster early in the season. Although Rebecca Allen had expressed optimism about playing, she remained sidelined for another game due to left foot soreness.

Meanwhile, Ionescu (left foot) and Sato Sabally (cyst) are also unavailable. Additionally, Leonie Fievich and Raquel Carrera are still overseas, having recently contributed to Valencia’s victory in the Spanish league title. Their return to New York isn’t expected until the month’s end.