WNBA: French players shine as the stars keep piling up huge numbers
Thursday night into Friday served up plenty of standout performances in the WNBA. From the French duo at New York Liberty to another A’ja Wilson masterclass, not to mention Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston putting on a show for Indiana, the league’s biggest names did what they were paid to do. And the French players, once again, left their mark on the night.
Johannes and Astier carry New York
New York Liberty kept rolling. On the road in Atlanta, the reigning champions won 104-90 to make it six straight victories. Marine Johannes delivered one of her best all-round displays of the season with 17 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Pauline Astier also had a big say, finishing with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Just before halftime, the French guard even buried a shot from her own half to hand her side a seven-point cushion.
Breanna Stewart (19 points, 11 rebounds), Satou Sabally (19 points) and Jonquel Jones (16 points, 10 rebounds) also chipped in as New York put on a clinic. For Atlanta, Angel Reese finished with 25 points and 9 rebounds.
Carla Leite hangs tough, A’ja Wilson keeps rolling
In Portland, Carla Leite could not stop Fire falling to Las Vegas (105-89), but the French guard once again showed up. She led her team in scoring with 18 points and added 8 assists.
The Aces, meanwhile, kept their strong run going with a fifth win in a row. A’ja Wilson dropped 32 points for the second straight game, while Chelsea Gray tied a WNBA record by knocking down nine three-pointers. Jackie Young added 18 points and 10 assists.
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Clark and Boston make history for Indiana
The night’s other headline came out of Indianapolis. After overtime, Indiana beat Chicago 114-106 thanks to a historic duo. Aliyah Boston finished with 34 points and 12 rebounds. Caitlin Clark added 32 points and 10 assists. Never before had two teammates in the WNBA produced 30-point double-doubles in the same game.
Chicago had clawed back from 19 points down, but it could not get over the line when it mattered most and Indiana held firm in the closing stages.
Leila Lacan backs it up, Phoenix stalls again
Just hours after posting a new personal best of 24 points against Toronto, Leila Lacan was once again one of the bright spots among the French players this week. By contrast, it was a tougher night for Phoenix. Beaten 85-70 by Dallas, the Mercury never really got going. Noemie Brochant scored 4 points, Monique Akoa-Makani added 6, while Valeriane Ayayi did not get off the bench.
Paige Bueckers led the Wings with 31 points and Jessica Shepard posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. With the midpoint of the season fast approaching, the WNBA stars keep turning in the numbers, while the French players continue to strengthen their place in the league week by week.
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