Valkyries Coach Natalie Nakase Collapses During WNBA Playoffs Game
The 46-year-old coach was attending to an official when she fell but was able to continue coaching after being helped to her feet.
Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase collapsed on the court late in the fourth quarter of the team's 77-73 victory over the Dallas Wings in Game 3 of their WNBA playoff series Friday night. The incident occurred with 1:40 remaining in the game, with the Valkyries trailing 72-71, as Nakase was speaking with a referee.
Two team staff members and a player came to Nakase's aid as she fell to the floor with her forearms and knees touching the court and her head tucked. She was eventually helped to her feet and appeared to be in pain as she walked back to the bench, grimacing and touching her forehead.
Despite the episode, Nakase resumed coaching duties, remaining on the bench and leading her team in huddles. "Natalie’s fine," said assistant coach Kasib Powell. "Obviously, it’s a quick turnaround, we play again on Sunday. She wouldn’t miss it for anything."
Powell added that Nakase was "laughing, in great spirits" afterward and "didn’t skip a beat" in her coaching responsibilities. "She was in the huddle getting on them about getting a stop. She didn’t skip a beat at all. We tried to keep our composure and rally around each other and her," Powell stated.
The Valkyries, the second seed in the playoffs, went on an 8-0 run after the incident, securing their first playoff series win in team history, in their second season.
"She’s OK, she’s fine," said Golden State guard Gabby Williams, who scored 19 points in the game. "We just tried to step up ourselves. We’re just happy that she’s OK."
The franchise told ESPN that Nakase felt lightheaded and exhausted, and is expected to coach Game 1 of the semifinals on Sunday against the Las Vegas Aces. The Valkyries are set to face the defending champion Aces in the semifinals after Las Vegas defeated the Indiana Fever.