The excitement around Pauline Astier continues to build. Astier was perhaps the biggest surprise to come out of the New York Liberty’s training camp, as she seemingly emerged out of nowhere.
The undrafted rookie wasn’t expected to make the Liberty roster, but her outstanding play from training camp through the preseason and into the regular season was undeniable. She quickly worked her way into the lineup and has continued to prove she belongs.
In 11 games with the Liberty so far, Astier has continued to build on that momentum, proving she truly belongs in the W. With Sabrina Ionescu sidelined due to injury, Astier has stepped into the team’s starting point guard role and thrived in that position.
On Saturday night against the Indiana Fever, Astier delivered another one of the best performances of her young WNBA career, recording 12 points, three assists and three rebounds while shooting 4 of 6 from the field.
The 24-year-old also came up clutch in the fourth quarter as the Liberty erased a 14-point deficit to defeat the Fever 83-75.
Breanna Stewart deservedly showered Astier with praise after the game.
“She doesn’t play like a rookie,” Stewart said. “Her parents are here, so shout out to them. But she had two, like, crucial buckets in the fourth, getting downhill and really attacking the other team and the defense. And she’s been huge for us, and that confidence just needs to continue to keep going.”
What is it about Pauline Astier that makes her stand out from the average rookie?
The French guard plays a hard-nosed style of basketball and isn’t afraid to get physical. She attacks the basket aggressively and is defensively sound as well, which allows her to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
In addition to her on-court play, Astier’s experience competing in Europe has helped shape her mindset. She carries herself with a maturity that is wise beyond her years. Right now, Astier’s development is trending in the right direction, and Liberty fans should be extremely encouraged by what she has shown so far.
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