WNBA Coach Natalie Nakase Explains Sudden In-Game Collapse

Saleah BlancaflorMon, October 5, 2026 at 4:08 PM UTC

5

Natalie Nakase - WNBA - Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase made a reassuring return to the bench, just days after collapsing at a WNBA playoff game on Friday and sparking concern across social media.

During Friday’s Game 3 victory over the Dallas Wings, which saw Valkyries win 77-73, Nakase suddenly collapsed on the floor near the bench due to exhaustion and lightheadedness. She appeared to quickly bounce back up to help draw up plays and finish out the win.

Many fans online reshared the moment when Nakase appeared to collapse, and expressed both shock and support.

“WTF! Natalie Nakase is talking to the ref, appears to faint on the floor, gets back up, and immediately starts drawing up a play on the sideline,” the Paddocast Sports account wrote on X. “WHAT IS THIS GAME!?!?!?”

Meanwhile, Jaime Lardis wrote on X, “Glad Natalie Nakase is okay, but I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like that. It looked like something suddenly happened inside her body. Really glad she’s okay!”

By Sunday, ahead of Game 1 of the semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, Nakase was back on the sideline and addressed the media during the post-game conference with an update on her health.

Advertisement

Related

WNBA Fans Clash After Rookie Star Olivia Miles' Flagrant Foul & Playoff Exit

Nakase attributed her sudden spell simply to running on empty and pointed to her relentless work ethic—a trait she said she inherited from her late father—as a double-edged sword.

“I’m good. I had a little exhaustion obviously,” Nakase told reporters. “I understand this job for me, I love it, sometimes I love it too much to a point I overwork. I just want to make sure I’m being smart.”

Nakase added that to prevent future health scares, she is taking a more proactive approach to her well-being. Along with wearing a health-tracking ring, she is considering adding a heart monitor and intentionally streamlining her daily routine and cutting back on “extra film” sessions to carve out necessary rest.

With her health checked out and a clean bill of energy, Nakase didn’t miss a beat as she led the Valkyries back into action against her former mentor, Aces coach Becky Hammon. Sunday’s game saw the Valkyries secure another win with a 71-60 victory over the Aces.

Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”