With 1:40 left in the fourth quarter of Game 3 against the Dallas Wings, Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase collapsed while arguing with a referee. The moment unfolded just after Gabby Williams nailed a three-pointer that brought the Valkyries within a point in a tense playoff showdown in San Francisco.
Television footage showed Nakase suddenly crumpling to her knees mid-conversation. Guard Kaitlyn Chen and assistant coaches Kasib Powell and Sugar Rodgers rushed to her side. Despite the scare, Nakase remained on the sidelines and continued coaching until the final buzzer as the Valkyries completed a 77-73 comeback victory. That win clinched Golden State’s first-ever playoff series, sending them through to the WNBA semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces.
Nakase’s absence at the post-game press conference spoke volumes. Powell stepped in to handle questions, saying only that “Natalie’s fine” and that she was “laughing and in great spirits” when the team saw her after the game. Powell also declined to specify the cause of Nakase’s collapse but assured that the coach would be ready for Sunday’s semifinal opener. “It’s a quick turnaround. We play here on Sunday and she wasn’t missing it for anything,” Powell added.
The Valkyries did not provide further comment on Nakase’s condition, leaving the exact nature of the incident unconfirmed. The team’s focus now shifts to the semifinal series against the Aces, where Nakase is expected to lead them.
Earlier in the game, the Valkyries trailed but mounted a strong rally in the final minutes. Williams’ three-pointer was a key moment that energized the comeback. Kaitlyn Chen’s presence on the floor was also notable, as she was seen alongside Nakase in the first quarter and remained a critical contributor throughout the contest.
Golden State’s victory marks a significant milestone in the franchise’s history. The Valkyries had never before won a playoff series, and this breakthrough came amid intense pressure and an on-court health scare involving their head coach.
The semifinal series against Las Vegas begins Sunday in San Francisco, with the Valkyries aiming to build on their momentum despite the uncertainty surrounding Nakase’s health. Assistant coach Powell emphasized preparation and resilience ahead of the next game, underscoring the team’s determination to compete despite recent events.
According to Yahoo Sports.
