Historic Valkyries Playoff Win
Golden State Valkyries clinch historic playoff win after coach Natalie Nakase returns from sideline collapse.
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Key Points
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After returning to the huddle, Nakase drew up the play that led to Gabby Williams’ 17-foot go-ahead jumper with 1:17 left; Williams then made four free throws in the final 10 seconds to seal the win.
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Athletic trainer Katelin Knox helped Nakase up after she went down; she had her head and hands on the court before getting back to the bench.
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Gabby Williams said the players tried to step up after the incident, adding, “We’re just happy that she’s OK.”
Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase collapsed near the sideline with 1:40 left in a decisive playoff game against the Dallas Wings on Friday. After athletic trainer Katelin Knox helped her up, Nakase returned to the huddle and drew up the play that led to Gabby Williams' go-ahead jumper. The Valkyries completed a stunning 16-point comeback to win 77-73 and claim their first playoff-series victory according to The New York Times.
Nakase Returns to Lead Historic Comeback
The collapse happened during a timeout in the fourth quarter. Nakase had her head and hands on the court before being helped to her feet. Moments later, she drew up a crucial play that resulted in Williams' 17-foot jumper with 1:17 remaining according to Clutch Points.
Williams then made four free throws in the final 10 seconds to seal the victory. The Valkyries trailed by 16 points before their dramatic turnaround. Nakase remained on the sideline for the rest of the game, continuing to coach through the critical moments reported by The New York Times.
Team and Staff React to Coach's Health Scare
After the game, Nakase left with a staff member and did not attend the postgame news conference. Assistant coach Kasib Powell and Williams both said she appeared fine, though the team was still investigating what caused the collapse according to Clutch Points. Williams told reporters, "We're just happy that she's OK."
The incident alarmed WNBA fans watching the game unfold. No official explanation has been released about the cause of the collapse reported by AOL. The team did not provide additional medical details after the game.
Valkyries Advance to Face Defending Champion Aces
Golden State's comeback victory sends them to the WNBA semifinals for the first time in franchise history. The Valkyries will host the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 on Sunday according to The New York Times. The Aces are the defending WNBA champions.
Williams scored the decisive baskets after Nakase's play-drawing return to action. The guard's performance down the stretch proved critical to the team's first-round elimination of Dallas reported by Essentially Sports. The Valkyries' upset victory marks a breakthrough moment for the young franchise.
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