"We Just Have to Start Better" — Nakase Owns the Slow Start After the Loss

Head Coach Natalie Nakase met with the media after a tough road loss to the Washington Mystics, and she didn't hold back on accountability. Nakase pointed to a slow start and a costly free throw discrepancy, 43 attempts for Washington compared to just 19 for Golden State, as the difference in the game. She said the discipline to avoid sending an opponent to the line that often has to improve, along with the team's habit of falling into foul trouble early.

Despite the result, Nakase lit up when discussing one of her reserves setting the all time WNBA record for three pointers by a bench player in a single season. She praised the player's preparation, love for the game, and the joy she brings to every rep in the gym, noting there's still plenty of season left for her to build on it.

Nakase closed by crediting her team's fight on the road and their ability to stay locked in until the final possession, even in a difficult result.

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Golden State Valkyries | WNBA | Press Conference | Natalie Nakase | Washington Mystics | 2026

00:00 — Opening Remarks: "I Have to Be Better"
00:22 — Free Throw Discrepancy (43-19) and Discipline
00:58 — Second Quarter Run and Offensive Adjustments
01:44 — Reaction to Bench Player's Three-Point Record
02:47 — Late-Game Execution and Final Thoughts