Valkyries Coach Nakase Set for Semifinal Debut After Sideline Collapse Serves as Health Wake-Up Call

SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase is cleared to lead her team in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals on Sunday against the Las Vegas Aces, following a sudden collapse on the sideline during the first-round clincher, which she attributed to exhaustion.

“It was just exhaustion,” Nakase said. “I ate and drank afterward and felt better.”

The 46-year-old Nakase underwent a medical examination during Saturday’s off day and insists she will be “proactive” regarding her physical and mental health. Her players encouraged her to prioritize recovery, a principle she consistently advocates for them.

“It was definitely a wake-up call for me, but I got checked out by doctors. Obviously everything looks good,” she said.

Nakase is considering wearing a heart monitor and taking other measures to manage her extreme work ethic. She already uses a tracking ring to monitor health statistics.

“Information is really important to me,” she said. “I just want to be proactive and smart. I understand that I love this job, sometimes too much to the point of overworking. I just want to ensure I’m being smart.”

This could mean skipping “extra, extra, extra film” and adhering to the daily timeline.

“It’s taking the time and organizing my mornings,” she said, noting the constantly changing game times and schedules. “… Everything’s a little bit different with my routine.”

Nakase did not address the team following Friday night’s 77-73 victory over the Dallas Wings at Chase Center, where Golden State rallied from a 16-point deficit.

With 1:40 remaining in the game, she was on the sideline near the Valkyries’ bench and lowered to the floor, resting her head and hands on the court. Athletic trainer Katelin Knox helped her up. Nakase finished the game but exited the floor immediately after the final buzzer, escorted by a staff member as her team celebrated at midcourt.

The best-of-five series against defending champion Las Vegas Aces pits Nakase against Becky Hammon, who had Nakase as an assistant coach from 2022 to 2024. Las Vegas won consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023.

Hammon described Nakase as a “little mighty-mouse workhorse, there’s no doubt about that.”

“The stress this time of year is real, the pressure. You don’t get a lot of sleep, you’re not eating as well as you probably should, there’s a lot of factors that go into that,” Hammon said. “It was kind of scary to watch. That little sucker popped right back up, popped right back up onto that marker and kept pushing. She’s tough.”

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