Natalie Nakase Breaks Down a Messy Win vs. Atlanta Dream

They won by 11. Coach Nakase still had plenty to say.
Natalie Nakase breaks down Golden State's 77-66 win over the Atlanta Dream on June 24, 2026, pulling no punches despite the result. She opens up about what she still didn't like — 12 offensive rebounds allowed, a 26-point fourth quarter from Atlanta — and explains why maintaining humility going into Friday's rematch is everything.

Nakase also details what made Kayla Thornton's spacing so effective, breaks down Laeticia Amihere's rim protection and energy off the bench, and explains the Kiah Stokes substitution that helped slow down Madina Okot's fourth-quarter surge. And she closes with a moment that says everything about Kaitlyn Chen — who took an elbow to the mouth, came back with a bleeding lip, and immediately asked what play was coming next.

🏀 Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream | 2026 WNBA Season

00:00 – Kayla Thornton's Spacing & What Made It Work
00:36 – Laeticia Amihere's Rim Protection & Bench Energy
01:32 – Shot Quality & Relying on Defense in the Win
02:17 – LA as an Example for the Whole Roster
03:37 – Janelle Salaün's Pick-and-Pop & Two-Way Impact
04:13 – Staying Patient & Still Learning as a Head Coach
06:45 – Prepping for Atlanta's Angry Rematch on Friday
07:52 – Kaitlyn Chen's Bleeding Lip & Fighter Mentality
08:59 – 12 Offensive Rebounds Allowed & What Needs to Change
09:31 – Kiah Stokes' Fourth Quarter Substitution & Game Management