Why Valkyries' Natalie Nakase is a slam dunk for WNBA Coach of the Year - again

Natalie Nakase already won WNBA Coach of the Year in 2025, in her first year on the job with the Golden State Valkyries.She should successfully defend her award in 2026, as the Valkyries barrel toward the playoffs and a possible run to the WNBA Finals.In only its second season of existence, Golden State is "the best of the rest" behind the rampant Minnesota Lynx.MORE: What Elle Duncan’s ‘most toxic space’ comment means for the WNBA’s future coverageThe Valkyries put the clamps on Paige Bueckers and the slumping Dallas Wings on Monday. The league's No.1 defense held Dallas to nine points in the second quarter -- and though Golden State wasn't quite at its best, the Valks won 78-70 at Chase Center, where they have a 15-4 home record -- tops in the WNBA.Golden State is 25-9 overall, three gam