Natalie Nakase is having a moment. She deserves every second of it.
She earned it. She worked her way up and did not take shortcuts. She toiled in different roles, including in Japan, pushing herself to learn everything she could. Now, Nakase has led the Golden State Valkyries to a historic championship after defeating the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals.
Doc Rivers gave the 46-year-old Nakase her big break in 2018, hiring her as an assistant coach on the Los Angeles Clippers. She worked with the Clippers until 2022, then signed with the Las Vegas Aces.
Rivers, who is now with NBC Sports, was ecstatic for his former deputy's latest milestone.
“Nat made me hire her. If someone wanted to rebound, Nat would do it. Nat did everything, and her spirit is so infectious. Watching her team, I was really emotional watching them the other night because, knowing where she came from and how long it took her to get there—she hung around, got to Vegas, and became an assistant coach for Becky (Hammon)—it's really cool (to see),” said Rivers.
“Those first two female hires in the NBA have now won WNBA titles. It's pretty cool.”
Article Continues BelowDoc Rivers on his former assistant Natalie Nakase winning a WNBA title as the head coach of the Valkyries! pic.twitter.com/aFFx0rqqJd
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) November 2, 2026
Nakase, a 5-foot-2 spitfire, has transformed the Valkyries into the league's barometer in just their second year with their defensive acumen and selfless culture.
It is easy to see why the Valkyries love playing for her. She has empowered Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, Kiah Stokes, Tiffany Hayes, and the rest of the squad to play to their strengths and be themselves.
It has been a memorable year for Nakase, who also won a gold medal with Team USA as an assistant coach in the FIBA Women's World Cup in September. But obviously, she is not done yet.