The Las Vegas Aces are gearing up to face off against the Golden State Valkyries in the 2026 WNBA playoff semifinals. Both teams share a history through their coaches, Becky Hammon and Natalie Nakase. Nakase served as an assistant for the Aces from 2022 to 2024, helping them win two championships. She later became head coach of the Golden State Valkyries.

As Hammon prepares to face off against her former assistant, she puts the matchup into perspective, per a quote obtained by Girls Talk Sports TV.

“I'm super happy for her and the success she's had there, but right now she's on the other side. So congratulations to her, but we go to war tomorrow,” Hammon said.

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Hammon and Nakase's close relationship comes from when Hammon became the head coach of the Aces. She brought on Nakase when she was hired, and despite interest from other teams, Nakase stayed loyal to Las Vegas.

“Natalie could have left earlier. I know she turned down some people who had inquired to talk to her about their head coaching vacancies,” Hammon shared when asked about Nakase's growth since leaving the Aces. “I think it shows a lot of wisdom and maturity that she wanted to stay. That's the biggest thing. When you feel like, you're ready, you got to go,” Hammon said in a June 2025 quote.

Now both coaches are facing off on the sidelines for the first time with a trip to the WNBA Finals on the line. The Aces want to solidify their dynasty, while the Valkyries look to create a winning culture for the newly insurgent organization.