Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase caused concern inside Chase Center on Friday night after suddenly going down to her knees near the team’s bench during the closing stages of a playoff victory over the Dallas Wings.
The incident happened with approximately 1:40 remaining as Golden State completed a dramatic 77-73 win to clinch the series.
Nakase was near the sideline and interacting with an official before going down, prompting players and members of the coaching staff to gather around her.
Athletic Trainer Helps Nakase Back to Her Feet
Valkyries athletic trainer Katelin Knox assisted Nakase as she got back to her feet.
Despite the concerning scene, the 46-year-old remained involved for the remainder of the contest as Golden State protected its narrow advantage and completed the series-clinching victory.
After the final buzzer, however, Nakase left the floor immediately accompanied by a staff member while her players celebrated the win at midcourt.
The Valkyries subsequently said Nakase was feeling fine.
Assistant Coach Says Nakase Was Laughing After Game
Assistant coach Kasib Powell handled the postgame media duties normally performed by Nakase.
Powell said the team was still determining exactly what had happened but stressed that Nakase appeared well when members of the coaching staff saw her after the game.
He said she was talking, laughing and in good spirits behind the scenes.
With Golden State facing a quick turnaround before its next playoff game on Sunday, Powell also expressed confidence that Nakase intended to be there.
“She wouldn’t miss it for anything,” he said.
Gabby Williams Says Team Is Relieved
Valkyries guard Gabby Williams also sought to reassure supporters following the incident.
Williams said Nakase appeared to be fine and explained that the players concentrated on taking greater responsibility while the situation unfolded.
The guard said the most important thing for the team was knowing their coach was OK.
No specific medical diagnosis or explanation for the incident was announced in the immediate aftermath of the game.
Nakase Quickly Returns to Coaching Duties
According to the Valkyries staff, Nakase resumed coaching almost immediately after being helped up.
Powell said she went to the sideline, designed the team’s next play and continued directing players during the huddle.
She also pushed the team defensively as Golden State attempted to close out the contest.
“Didn’t miss a beat,” Powell said of Nakase’s response.
Guard Tiffany Hayes said she did not initially see the moment Nakase went down but noticed that the coach quickly returned to her usual duties.
Nakase even successfully challenged an officiating decision after the incident.
Valkyries Complete 16-Point Comeback Against Dallas
The concern surrounding Nakase came during an otherwise memorable night for Golden State.
The Valkyries overturned a 16-point deficit to defeat Dallas 77-73 in the deciding Game 3 at Chase Center, eliminating the Wings and extending their postseason run.
Powell credited the players with maintaining their composure during the unexpected situation involving their head coach.
He said the group continued to rally around both Nakase and one another as the game entered its decisive moments.
Golden State Advances to Face Las Vegas Aces
The victory sends Golden State into a best-of-five semifinal series against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces.
The Valkyries will host Game 1, giving the franchise another opportunity to extend what has already been a historic early chapter.
Nakase previously guided Golden State through a landmark 2025 campaign in which the Valkyries became the first WNBA expansion franchise to reach the playoffs during its inaugural season.
Valkyries Expect Nakase Back for Sunday
Attention now turns to Nakase’s status ahead of Sunday’s semifinal opener.
While the team did not provide a detailed explanation for what caused her to go down during Friday’s game, those who spoke afterward repeatedly said she appeared to be doing well.
Powell said the Valkyries would learn more as they moved forward but expressed confidence about her availability.
“We do know that she will be ready for Sunday,” he said.
