Natalie Nakase on Valkyries' Tough Loss to Minnesota Lynx

A reporter asked about a 4-for-22 fourth quarter. Coach Nakase had a question of her own.
Natalie Nakase breaks down Golden State's loss to the Minnesota Lynx on June 19, 2026, pushing back on the framing of the shot-quality conversation, explaining the late free throw disparity, and detailing why she trusted Tip in a crucial late-game moment.
Nakase credits LA for stepping up off the bench with heavy legs across the roster, breaks down the game plan that held Minnesota to 81 points and slowed down rookie phenom Olivia Miles, and reflects on a locker room that refuses to point fingers even in a tough loss. She closes by calling every loss a learning experience — and crediting her players for already locking in on recovery and preparation for the next matchup.
🏀 Golden State Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx | 2026 WNBA Season

00:00 – Breaking Down the Fourth Quarter Struggles
00:45 – Crediting LA's Spark Off the Bench
01:30 – The Late Second Quarter Foul & Replay Review
02:33 – Was This a Winnable Game?
04:30 – Minnesota's Balanced Scoring & Slowing Down Olivia Miles
06:41 – Shot Quality, Free Throws & Trusting Tip Late
08:48 – Every Loss as a Learning Experience