Nakase returns to bench as Valkyries advance

Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase went down near the bench with 1:40 left in the deciding Game 3 against the Dallas Wings on Friday, then returned to coaching as her team secured a 77-73 victory and advanced to the WNBA semifinals. The Valkyries said Nakase felt exhausted and lightheaded. Assistant coach Kasib Powell said afterward that she was talking, laughing and in good spirits, while the team was still trying to determine what caused her to fall. The incident occurred during a timeout, while Nakase was speaking with an official. She dropped to her hands and knees, and team staff, including athletic trainer Katelin Knox, helped her back to her feet. Nakase held her head as she stood, then returned to the sideline and rejoined the team’s huddle, continuing to direct the players through the closing minutes. Golden State was trailing Dallas 72-71 when Nakase went down. The Valkyries went on to win the deciding game, eliminating the Wings and earning the first playoff series victory in franchise history.