SAN FRANCISCO

Liberty player Jonquel Jones isn’t one to sugarcoat things, especially after the Liberty’s disappointing defeat in Seattle on Thursday night.

When a reporter hinted that lineup changes could have affected the team’s 16 turnovers, which resulted in 15 points for the Storm, Jones simply wouldn’t bite.

“We need to anchor better,” she said following New York’s 99-88 loss. “We’ve been practicing, we had shootaround, we’ve spent time together. We’re not making excuses; we need to improve, plain and simple. It’s not about plays or playing time. It’s more about bringing some heart to the game.”

With three losses in their last four games, the Liberty will wrap up a four-game road trip on Sunday against the Golden State Valkyries.

At times, they seem to play as if they’re down in games, showing a kind of complacency that’s concerning.

Jones acknowledged a drop in her effort and focus.

This isn’t a great sign for the Ribs, who have faced setbacks against the Portland Fire, Washington Mystics, Los Angeles Sparks, and now the Storm.

The Valkyries, however, won’t let perceived disadvantages hold them back.

But the Liberty will need to brace themselves for the Valkyries’ solid defensive strategy.

Golden State, with All-Star candidate Gabby Williams leading the charge, has recently pulled off back-to-back victories against the Atlanta Dream, including a tight 78-75 win last Friday.

Williams feels confident about their readiness, claiming that Friday’s performance proves they can compete against top teams.

“We knew after the first game that Atlanta would bring their best, and I expect New York will do the same,” Williams expressed. “Seeing their previous loss to Seattle, we know how much they want to win. Our response gives us confidence that we’ll be ready for Sunday.”

This could be seen as a warning to the Liberty.

The Valkyries already defeated the Liberty this season, winning 87-70 during Brooklyn’s homestand. In that matchup, turnovers and defensive lapses were major contributors to the Liberty’s failure.

However, New York’s defense has improved since May 21, particularly with the return of key players like Leonie Fievich, Betoniya Rainey-Hamilton, and Sabrina Ionescu.

All three are back and expected to make a difference.

Fievich has had her struggles recently, averaging 15.8 points with impressive shooting stats.

This month, Jones has stepped up her All-Star credentials, shooting nearly 80% from inside the paint and performing well from beyond the arc.

Brianna Stewart, who rested during the loss to the Storm, is anticipated to rejoin the lineup.

Meanwhile, Ionescu hasn’t quite hit her stride in Liberty’s offensive flow since returning from an injury.

But what better opportunity for her to shine than in her hometown area?

On Friday night, a high school gym was named in her honor in Orinda, California.

She’ll have the chance to shine against the Valkyries on Sunday, and perhaps one day, they’d love to see the Bay Area native join them.