"We Don't Get Stuck" — Nakase on the Freedom That Comes With Depth

Head Coach Natalie Nakase spoke after Golden State's 30th win of the season, and the conversation touched on ball-handling depth, rust after the FIBA break, and the deeper purpose driving this team. Nakase emphasized the strength in numbers philosophy, explaining how having multiple ball handlers who can score creates freedom and makes the team difficult to guard, pointing to both LA and Kaitlyn Chen finishing with 17 points apiece.

Nakase praised LA's continued growth, crediting improved spacing and her ability to read closeouts and attack like a guard. She also highlighted Kiah's uniquely powerful blocks, noting they go into the stands rather than just getting deflected. On managing the return from an 18 day break between games, Nakase credited giving her team the full schedule in advance so there are no surprises, allowing players to plan their recovery and preparation like true professionals.

Nakase acknowledged the offense started rusty, with missed reads in the paint bleeding into early defensive lapses, but praised her team's response in the third quarter when a group locked in and came together on both ends. She singled out Katie's physicality, noting she used all six fouls and communicated well on switches throughout the night.

Reaching the 30 win mark, an exclusive club Nakase experienced previously in Las Vegas, wasn't something she wanted to dwell on. Instead she redirected credit to Ballhalla, saying the team understands they carry a responsibility to win for their fans and for everyone watching, a purpose beyond themselves that continues to drive the group. Nakase also reflected on her mental focus during Team USA's gold medal run, saying doubters only pushed her to lock in further, all while balancing her love and support for her Valkyries players from afar.

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Golden State Valkyries | WNBA | Press Conference | Natalie Nakase | Portland Fire | 2026

00:00 — Strength in Numbers and Ball-Handling Depth
00:31 — LA's Growth and Fantastic Performance
01:22 — Kiah's Unique Shot-Blocking Style
01:41 — Managing the 18-Day FIBA Break
02:39 — The Stay-Ready Group's Preparation
03:49 — Rust on Offense and the Third Quarter Response
04:45 — Katie's Physicality and Communication
05:04 — Reaching 30 Wins and Playing for Ballhalla
06:09 — Valuing Ball Handlers Who Protect the Rock
07:18 — Mental Focus During the FIBA Break and Team USA