During a pivotal Game 3 in the WNBA playoffs where No.2 Golden State Valkyries managed to claw their way back from a 16-point deficit to defeat the Dallas Wings, a terrifying moment with only 1:40 left in the fourth quarter had everyone watching in a choke hold. Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase suddenly just dropped out of the camera sight and hit the floor on her knees after her team made it a one-point game. The Wings had called for a timeout and while a sea of violet donning fans were on their feet roaring with applause and screams of joy, Nakase, who could be seen talking to the officials on the sidelines, suddenly collapsed onto her knees and put her head to the hardwood floor, her face obstructed from view, video shows.
As her coaching staff and officials surround her, Nakase lifts her head and has to be lifted from the ground by the help of her staff. Commentators speculate if she slipped as she’s helped over to the bench to continue talking to her team. While it is unclear what happened, both her team and Nakase appeared to not be too concerned with the scary moment as they they finished with a dramatic 77-73 win over the Wings.
Regardless, Nakase didn’t speak to the press following the win but Valkyries assistant coach Kasib Powell said during the post game presser that Nakase was “fine” and even laughing after the win. Golden State will go on to face the Las Vegas Aces, Nakase’s former team where she won two titles as assistant coach on Sunday in the WNBA semifinals.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
