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Daily Read: Sports & Health

Valkyries Coach Nakase Collapses on Court, Recovers Quickly

During the decisive Game 3 of the WNBA playoffs, Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase collapsed on the sidelines with 1:40 remaining in a 77‑73 victory over the Dallas Wings. The incident occurred late in the first half, prompting athletic trainer Katelin Knox to assist Nakase to her knees; she was later escorted off the floor by staff after the final buzzer. Despite the scare, the coach was reported to be fine, laughing and in good spirits, according to assistant coach Kasib Powell and guard Gabby Williams during the post‑game press conference. Nakase, 46, led the Valkyries to a historic inaugural‑season playoff run, becoming the first expansion team to reach the postseason and securing a series‑winning Game 3 at Chase Center. The team will face the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the best‑of‑five semifinals on Sunday, with coach Nakase expected to return. The incident highlighted the physical demands on coaching staff, but the Valkyries emphasized resilience and teamwork in overcoming the moment and securing the win. No injuries were reported, and the league confirmed that Nakase will be available for the next game, underscoring her quick recovery.

· sportsnet.ca

The essential points

  1. 01Coach Natalie Nakase collapsed on the sidelines with 1:40 left in the Valkyries’ 77‑73 win over the Wings.
  2. 02Athletic trainer Katelin Knox helped Nakase to her knees; she was escorted off after the final buzzer.
  3. 03Assistant coach Kasib Powell and guard Gabby Williams confirmed Nakase was fine, laughing and in good spirits.
  4. 04The incident occurred during the Valkyries’ historic first‑season playoff run, securing a series‑winning Game 3 at Chase Center.
The full brief

During the decisive Game 3 of the WNBA playoffs, Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase collapsed on the sidelines with 1:40 remaining in a 77‑73 victory over the Dallas Wings. The incident occurred late in the first half, prompting athletic trainer Katelin Knox to assist Nakase to her knees; she was later escorted off the floor by staff after the final buzzer. Despite the scare, the coach was reported to be fine, laughing and in good spirits, according to assistant coach Kasib Powell and guard Gabby Williams during the post‑game press conference.

Nakase, 46, led the Valkyries to a historic inaugural‑season playoff run, becoming the first expansion team to reach the postseason and securing a series‑winning Game 3 at Chase Center. The team will face the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the best‑of‑five semifinals on Sunday, with coach Nakase expected to return. The incident highlighted the physical demands on coaching staff, but the Valkyries emphasized resilience and teamwork in overcoming the moment and securing the win.

No injuries were reported, and the league confirmed that Nakase will be available for the next game, underscoring her quick recovery.