Nakase cleared to coach Game 1 after sideline collapse — SkimNews
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- Natalie Nakase collapsed on the sideline with 1:40 remaining in the Valkyries' 77-73 comeback win over the Dallas Wings and was helped up by athletic trainer Katelin Knox before finishing the game.
- Nakase was examined by a doctor Saturday, attributed the collapse to exhaustion, and confirmed she will coach Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals Sunday against the Las Vegas Aces at Chase Center in San Francisco.
- The 46-year-old coach called the episode a "wake-up call" and said she's considering wearing a heart monitor, cutting "extra, extra, extra film," and reorganizing her mornings to manage her workload.
- Nakase did not address the team after Friday's win — which erased a 16-point deficit — and exited the floor immediately after the final buzzer, escorted by a staff member while her team celebrated at midcourt.
- The best-of-five WNBA semifinal pits Nakase against Becky Hammon, who had Nakase on her Aces staff from 2022 to 2024; Las Vegas won consecutive championships in 2022 and 2023.
Why it matters: Nakase's availability is material to a Valkyries squad that rallied from 16 points down to reach the semifinals against defending champion Las Vegas. The source notes Nakase served on Becky Hammon's Aces staff from 2022 to 2024, making this a mentor-vs-protege matchup where the first-year coach's adjusted workload could shape a best-of-five series.
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