Valkyries coach Nakase collapses late during Game 3 victory over Wings
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 6:42 AM
Last updated Oct 3, 2026
Natalie Nakase, coach of the Golden State Valkyries, collapsed during the final minute of a tense Game 3 against the Dallas Wings on October 2, with Golden State securing a 77-73 victory. The incident occurred as Nakase communicated with referees regarding a call, prompting concern from players and staff. She quickly returned to coaching after being assisted by team personnel and was reported to be in good spirits post-game. The Valkyries’ win marks their first playoff series victory in franchise history and propels them into the WNBA semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, with Game 1 scheduled for October 5.
- •Valkyries complete a 16-point comeback to win Game 3.
- •Nakase collapsed with 1:40 left but resumed coaching immediately.
- •Gabby Williams led the team with a crucial late jumper.
- •The Valkyries face the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
- •Assistant coach Kasib Powell reassured reporters about Nakase's health.
- 6:42 AMYahoo Sports — Valkyries’ coach Natalie Nakase ‘fine’ after scary collapse on court vs. Wings
- 5:33 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Is Natalie Nakase Alright?’ ‘That Was Scary’ — WNBA World Concerned After Valkyries HC Faints During Playoff Clash vs. Wings
- 5:03 AMYahoo Sports — Valkyries’ Natalie Nakase seemingly passes out in final moments of Wings clash
- 4:58 AMYahoo Sports — Valkyries coach Nakase goes down on sideline late in Golden State's playoff-clinching win over Wings
"SAN FRANCISCO – Golden State Valkyries’ head coach Natalie Nakase is “fine” after collapsing suddenly while talking to an official during a timeout around the 1:40 mark in the fourth quarter of the team’s 77-73 Game 3 win over the Dallas Wings in the first round of the WNBA playoffs. After the game, Valkyries assistant coach Kasib Powell stepped to […] The post Valkyries’ coach Natalie Nakase ‘fine’ after scary collapse on court vs. Wings appeared first on ClutchPoints.
"Golden State Valkyries’ high-intensity Game 3 against the Dallas Wings seemed to take a toll on head coach Natalie Nakase. The Bay Area coach appeared to collapse during the final minutes of her team’s 77-73 victory on Friday. With 1:40 remaining in the winner-take-all Game 3, Nakase was speaking with referees about a no-call involving Valkyries […] The post Valkyries’ Natalie Nakase seemingly passes out in final moments of Wings clash appeared first on ClutchPoints.
"SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase went down to her knees with her head and hands on the court near the team's bench with 1:40 left in a scary moment late in a 77-73 series-winning victory over the Dallas Wings on Friday night.Nakase was helped up by athletic trainer Katelin Knox.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 3, 2026, 6:42 AMValkyries’ coach Natalie Nakase ‘fine’ after scary collapse on court vs. Wings
SAN FRANCISCO – Golden State Valkyries’ head coach Natalie Nakase is “fine” after collapsing suddenly while talking to an official during a timeout around the 1:40 mark in the fourth quarter of the team’s 77-73 Game 3 win over the Dallas Wings in the first round of the WNBA playoffs. After the game, Valkyries assistant coach Kasib Powell stepped to […] The post Valkyries’ coach Natalie Nakase ‘fine’ after scary collapse on court vs. Wings appeared first on ClutchPoints.
- Yahoo SportsOct 3, 2026, 5:33 AM‘Is Natalie Nakase Alright?’ ‘That Was Scary’ — WNBA World Concerned After Valkyries HC Faints During Playoff Clash vs. Wings
Cameras caught a concerning moment involving Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase during Friday’s decisive playoff game against the Dallas Wings. What started as an animated conversation with an official suddenly took a very different turn.
- Yahoo SportsOct 3, 2026, 5:03 AMValkyries’ Natalie Nakase seemingly passes out in final moments of Wings clash
Golden State Valkyries’ high-intensity Game 3 against the Dallas Wings seemed to take a toll on head coach Natalie Nakase. The Bay Area coach appeared to collapse during the final minutes of her team’s 77-73 victory on Friday. With 1:40 remaining in the winner-take-all Game 3, Nakase was speaking with referees about a no-call involving Valkyries […] The post Valkyries’ Natalie Nakase seemingly passes out in final moments of Wings clash appeared first on ClutchPoints.
- Yahoo SportsOct 3, 2026, 4:58 AMValkyries coach Nakase goes down on sideline late in Golden State's playoff-clinching win over Wings
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase went down to her knees with her head and hands on the court near the team's bench with 1:40 left in a scary moment late in a 77-73 series-winning victory over the Dallas Wings on Friday night.Nakase was helped up by athletic trainer Katelin Knox.
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