Ty Lue Offers Health Advice to Valkyries Coach Natalie Nakase Ahead of WNBA Finals

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue spoke with Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase, offering a reminder to prioritize her health as the team prepares for the WNBA Finals.

Lue, when asked about Nakase's success in leading the Valkyries to the WNBA Finals in her second year, confirmed he had spoken with her. "She better eat. Can’t have her passing out again on the court," Lue said jokingly, referencing an incident earlier in the playoffs.

Nakase had a sudden collapse during Game 3 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs. The incident occurred in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter as the Valkyries trailed the Dallas Wings. Nakase was removed from the game, and assistant coach Kasib Powell finished coaching. The Valkyries went on to win that game and eventually advance to the Finals.

Following her collapse, Nakase stated she felt better after eating and drinking. She also mentioned that her sister has been leaving meals and snacks for her, and her assistant coaches are reminding her to eat. Nakase acknowledged that she sometimes forgets to eat due to her focus on film and game planning.

Nakase, a Southern California native and former UCLA player, previously served as an assistant coach under Lue for the Clippers from 2019 to 2020. After leaving the Clippers organization in 2022, she became an assistant with the Las Vegas Aces, a team the Valkyries eliminated in the semifinals.

Lue expressed his admiration for Nakase's coaching accomplishments, particularly her team's victory over the Aces, who had won three of the last four WNBA titles. "I congratulated her on beating a very good team. Becky Hammon, the best coach in the WNBA and the Aces, they won [3 of the last 4]," Lue said. "Going in to beat a team like that, it tells you what kind of coach Natalie is. I’m happy for her."

When Nakase asked Lue for advice for the WNBA Finals, he responded, "You don’t need my advice. You’re way better than me. You’re doing a better job than I am. So you got it. You’ve done a great job. I’m very happy for her."