SAN FRANCISCO — Breanna Stewart felt like the Liberty’s poor showing in the second quarter of Tuesday’s 66-58 loss was a microcosm of their season.

The Liberty are at their best when their defense is fueling their offense. But having to take the ball out of the net and attack a set defense has been a challenge.

The Liberty’s problems were perhaps intensified by Sabrina Ionescu’s absence.

Ionescu’s gravity was greatly missed. The Liberty are the second-best 3-point shooting team in the WNBA, but the Golden State Valkyries exploited Ionescu’s absence and appeared happy to help off some players to clog avenues to the basket.