Sunday’s preseason matchup against the Connecticut Sun marks the Liberty’s final chance to fine-tune their offense before the regular season tips off. After a 109-91 loss to the Indiana Fever last week, it’s clear the team is still finding its rhythm under new head coach Chris DeMarco’s system.

“It’s just building from the last one we had,” said star guard Sabrina Ionescu, reflecting on the team’s progress. “The first game was like four days into learning the new offense, and it was a little clunky. Everyone was out of position.”

Ionescu revealed that the coaching staff had laid out how the offense should run, but players executed it correctly “under 30 percent of the time.” Still, there’s no cause for alarm. “They weren’t mad about it. It’s normal until everyone learns where to go,” she added. “It’s all part of the process. For this next game, we want to get that number up and keep chipping away. Little by little, everything will feel easy, and we won’t have to think about it.”

The Liberty’s revamped offense marks a shift from last season’s read-and-react system under Sandy Brondello, which players and general manager Jonathan Kolb criticized for excessive east-to-west movement and poor spacing. DeMarco aims for a more structured approach with better spacing, but as Ionescu noted, the preseason opener’s 22 turnovers showed there’s work to be done.

Key absences also played a role in the struggles. Offseason acquisitions Satou Sabally and Rebecca Allen were sidelined for “reconditioning,” along with developmental player Marine Fauthoux. With the WNBA’s 30th season just a week away, the Liberty are eager to get everyone on the same page and build momentum heading into the regular season.