Nakase collapses during Valkyries' playoff clincher but returns for semifinal

Key points

• Nakase fell to the hardwood during a fourth-quarter timeout at Chase Center, appearing to collapse while speaking with an official.
• Medical staff and assistants assisted her back to her feet; she held her head but continued to run the timeout and coach the rest of the game.
• The Valkyries won 77-73, with Gabby Williams scoring 19 points, including a go-ahead shot following Nakase's return to the huddle.
• Nakase left the arena shortly after the final buzzer, assisted by staff, and did not attend the postgame press conference.
• Assistant Kasib Powell stated Nakase was 'fine' and 'laughing' after the game, confirming she will coach the Sunday semifinal against the Las Vegas Aces.

Background

The Golden State Valkyries had previously won Game 1 of this first-round series 104-80 but lost Game 2 in overtime to Dallas, forcing a decisive Game 3. The series is part of the 2026 WNBA playoffs, where Golden State now faces the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.

How outlets are covering it

USA Today and The Mercury News both reported the collapse but differed on the cause. USA Today cited ESPN, stating Nakase was 'exhausted' and 'got lightheaded.' The Mercury News focused on the immediate aftermath, noting she drew up the play for the go-ahead shot immediately after the incident. Both outlets agreed that assistant Kasib Powell described the event as unexplained but emphasized that Nakase was 'fine' and 'laughing' postgame. USA Today highlighted her handshake with Dallas coach Jose Fernandez, where she was seen rubbing her temple, while The Mercury News noted she left the arena under staff supervision.

Why it matters

The incident raised concerns about the physical toll of the WNBA playoff schedule, but the team's resilience in closing out the series and Nakase's confirmed availability for the semifinals against the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, ensures the team can proceed without a coaching change.

What to watch

The Golden State Valkyries will face the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals on Sunday at Chase Center. Natalie Nakase is expected to be on the sideline for the game.