Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase collapsed to the floor Friday during a critical moment in Friday’s Game 3 clash against the Dallas Wings.
Nakase was complaining to an official after the Wings took a timeout with under two minutes left in the first-round rubber match at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. All of a sudden, the second-year head coach fell to the floor and was visibly grabbing her head.
Nakase’s assistant coaches helped her get back on her feet moments later. She was somehow able to shrug off the moment and get back into the Valkyries’ huddle.
Wth happened to Natalie ? pic.twitter.com/0GiNx1i0Sf
— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) October 3, 2026
The Valkyries later told ESPN’s Kendra Andrews that Nakase was exhausted and felt lightheaded, leading to the vulnerable moment. But she was reportedly “up, talking, and laughing” after the game.
Nakase did not let her midgame incident, which occurred with her team trailing 72-71, stop her from coaching her team to victory. The Valkyries limited the Wings to just one point the rest of the way, en route to a 77-73 win.
Nakase is expected to be present and available for Sunday’s semifinal Game 1 against the Las Vegas Aces.
