Liberty face another big Valkyries test as possible playoff matchup looms

Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu feels like she hasn’t gotten a true crack at the Golden State Valkyries this season. She missed the first matchup on May 21 because of a foot injury and didn’t feel quite like herself in the June 28 visit to Chase Center as she was still working her way back from a back issue.  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA.But Ionescu feels ready — eager even — to take on the Valkyries on Thursday in Brooklyn in what could be a possible preview of a first-round matchup. “It’s exciting to kind of be able to match up against a team that I haven’t really played a lot this year,” Ionescu said after Wednesday’s practice.

“And it’ll be fun to just go out there and really test our offense.”One of two things can happen Thursday: Either the Liberty offense gets stagnant and becomes the latest victim of Golden State’s elite defense, or it passes the major test that Ionescu hinted at.The Valkyries are the only team the Liberty have yet to beat this season, and a big reason why has been Golden State’s stifling defense. In both losses, the Valkyries held New York to its two lowest scoring outputs of the year: 70 and 67 points.But the Liberty are far from the only team to struggle with the Valkyries pressure. That’s a credit to coach Natalie Nakase and her staff.The players have a true understanding of what she wants them to do.

They overwhelm opponents with collective and seemingly never-ending effort and focus.They know when to help, rotate and recover. Gabby Williams and Veronica Burton — two All-Defensive team candidates — apply pressure at the point of the attack.

Kiah Stokes — another All-Defensive team candidate who’s second in the league in blocks — is a fierce rim protector patrolling the paint. The defensive versatility on the roster allows others to plug the holes. The Valkyries make teams work ...