LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 9: Kaila Charles #6 of the Golden State Valkyries handles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Sparks on August 9, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. andatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES — Natalie Nakase’s biggest warning was when Kiah Stokes didn’t get right up.
With 6:48 left against the Sparks, Stokes went up to try to block a shot from Cameron Brink. Her elbow connected with Stokes as both came down from the initial leap, and the Valkyries center stayed down holding the back of her head.
She was ruled out the rest of the game with a neck contusion, and Nakase said she’d be evaluated after the game.
“She's probably one of the toughest players I've ever coached, and so I was very scared because she didn't get up, and it took her a minute, but she was smiling,” Nakase said. “But obviously, we have to get her evaluated and see how she's doing.”
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