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Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase went down near the bench late in the team’s October 2, 2026 playoff game against Dallas. She got up with help from athletic trainer Katelin Knox and finished the game. Afterward, assistant coach Kasib Powell said Nakase was fine, talking and laughing, and that the team expected her to coach again Sunday. No medical diagnosis or confirmed cause was reported.
What happened to Natalie Nakase?
With 1:40 remaining in Game 3 of Golden State’s first-round playoff series against the Dallas Wings, Nakase went down to her knees near the Valkyries bench, according to the Associated Press. Athletic trainer Katelin Knox helped her up. Nakase stayed for the rest of the game, then left the floor with a staff member after the final buzzer rather than joining the team’s midcourt celebration.
Golden State won 77–73 to clinch the series. A Hindustan Times report said Nakase had been speaking with officials about a no-call after a Gabby Williams layup before she went down. The broadcast’s description and footage show an incident, but do not by themselves establish that she fainted or explain why she went down.
Is Natalie Nakase okay?
Powell gave an immediate postgame reassurance, telling the AP: “Natalie’s fine, obviously it’s a quick turnaround, we play again on Sunday. She wouldn’t miss it for anything.” He also said she was talking and laughing afterward. Valkyries guard Gabby Williams told the AP, “She’s OK, she’s fine.” These were teammates’ observations after the game, not a medical report.
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Why did she go down?
Hindustan Times relayed ESPN reporter Kendra Andrews’s report that Nakase was exhausted and felt lightheaded during the game. That is the explanation reported in that account; it is not a confirmed diagnosis. The reviewed coverage does not establish whether she fainted or identify a definitive cause, so claims about dehydration, stress, heat, or another medical issue would be speculation.
Will Nakase coach the next game?
After Golden State advanced, the AP reported that the Valkyries were scheduled to host defending champion Las Vegas in Game 1 of the best-of-five WNBA semifinals on Sunday, October 4. Powell said the team expected Nakase to coach. That was the team’s expectation immediately after Game 3, not confirmation of her eventual availability; check for a subsequent team update for the latest status.
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Rank #2
- Classic Mesh reimagines the classic jersey as a versatile staple for everyday streetwear. It blends authentic league aesthetics with streetwear style, creating pieces that transition effortlessly from the court to the streets.
- Made from a premium mesh fabrication, this standard fit baseball jersey with a button up closure provides an authentic sport feel.
- 1x1 polyester striped rib sleeve cuff in team color.
- Printed Tackle Twill applique and 3-D, satin stitch embroidery.
- Officially Licensed Merchandise
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