Valkyries Coach Natalie Nakase Fine After Collapsing in Playoff Win

A Scare on the Court

Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase gave her team a major scare on Friday night. During a timeout with 1:40 left in the game, Nakase collapsed on the court near the team bench. The Valkyries were playing the Dallas Wings at Chase Center in San Francisco.

Nakase was speaking to an official when she suddenly fell to her hands and knees. She appeared dazed as athletic trainer Katelin Knox helped her up. However, she quickly returned to the bench to lead the team huddle.

The team later shared that Nakase was feeling lightheaded and exhausted. She finished the game, which ended in a 77-73 series-winning victory for Golden State. After the final buzzer, a staff member escorted her off the court while her players celebrated.

Coach is Ready for Game 1

Assistant coach Kasib Powell spoke to the media after the game instead of Nakase. He reassured everyone that the head coach was doing well.

"Natalie's fine," Powell said. "Obviously it's a quick turnaround, we play again on Sunday. She wouldn't miss it for anything." He added that she was laughing and in great spirits in the back.

According to Powell, Nakase did not miss a beat after the incident. She went to the sidelines, drew up the next play, and pushed the team to get a stop. She even successfully won a challenge later in the game. Guard Gabby Williams added that the team tried to step up and that they were just happy she was okay. Nakase is expected to coach Game 1 of the semifinals on Sunday against the Las Vegas Aces.

What it means for the next game

Las Vegas Aces at Golden State Valkyries (WNBA, Sun, 04 Oct): Golden State Valkyries win 46%, Las Vegas Aces win 54%; projected score Golden State Valkyries 81, Las Vegas Aces 81. Our safest pick: Valkyries +8.5.

Las Vegas Aces at Golden State Valkyries (WNBA, Thu, 08 Oct): Golden State Valkyries win 54%, Las Vegas Aces win 46%; projected score Golden State Valkyries 83, Las Vegas Aces 81. Our safest pick: Valkyries +5.5.