SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Natalie Nakase won over Golden State Valkyries owner Joe Lacob with her fire in a matter of two hours when they sat down last year for a formal interview.

Now, the entire WNBA understands why.

Nakase was named WNBA Coach of the Year on Wednesday after leading her team to the playoffs — making league history as the only first-year franchise to reach the postseason.

The announcement came ahead of Golden State's home game against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx. Nakase was set to be honored at SAP Center, where the team is playing Game 2 of the best-of-three series because Chase Center in San Francisco was previously booked by the Laver Cup tennis event.

The 45-year-old Nakase received 53 of 72 votes from sports writers and broadcasters around the country. She also r

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