What happened to Natalie Nakase?
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- The Golden State Valkyries won their first playoff series in franchise history with a 77-73 victory over the Dallas Wings, but attention shifted to head coach Natalie Nakase after she appeared to collapse during a timeout late in the game.
- Nakase was helped back to her feet and continued coaching through the remainder of the game, though she showed signs of discomfort after the final buzzer and needed assistance from her staff.
- Assistant coach Kasib Powell and star player Gabby Williams both confirmed Nakase was "fine" and expected to coach the upcoming semifinal game against the Las Vegas Aces.
- The team reported Nakase was "exhausted" and "got lightheaded" during the game, but she was in good spirits afterward, laughing and talking with the staff.
- Despite the incident, Nakase remained focused and locked in, with the team confident she will be ready for the next playoff round.
