Pauline Astier and the New York Liberty looked to end a three-game drought on Saturday, hitting the road to face Kelsey Mitchell and the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Liberty were coming off nearly a week of rest after Thursday's matchup with the Dallas Wings was cancelled, last playing on Sunday against the Toronto Tempo.
The Liberty got off to a hot start to begin the game, going up by double digits. But the Fever, led by Mitchell, would force their way back into the game, going into halftime with a 49-45 deficit. But not before Mitchell had one of the plays of the night, breaking Astier's ankles early on in the first quarter.
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But with 2: 18 remaining in the second quarter, Astier was called for a foul after an illegal closeout on a Mitchell 3-point attempt. After the officials reviewed the play, it was upgraded to a Flagrant 1 foul, though many seem to disagree with the decision. Some, including the CBS Sports analysts, even claimed Mitchell may have initiated the contact by sticking her leg out.
Either way, the Liberty rookie will likely face a fine unless the WNBA overturns the flagrant foul. Under the league's new collective bargaining agreement, fines for flagrant fouls increased by 2.5 times compared to last season. A Flagrant 1 carries a $500 fine and one point under the league's new point system.
A Flagrant 2 results in a $1,000 fine and two points. Players who accumulate four points receive an automatic one-game suspension, with additional suspensions possible as more points are accrued.
As it stands, Astier is expected to pay a $500 fine for her first flagrant foul of the season and receive one point following her hit on Mitchell.
Up next for the Liberty, a road matchup against Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings on Monday at 8:00 p.m. ET.
