Playing Against Steph Curry Convinced Steve Nash to Retire
NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash recently shared that facing Stephen Curry during the Warriors’ 2014 preseason motivated him to retire. On the "Mind the Game" podcast, co-hosted by Nash and LeBron James, Curry joined the conversation to recall that pivotal moment in both players’ careers.
“I couldn’t have stopped him even if I were at 100%. I’m dragging through every action, and Steve Kerr keeps putting me in every play,”
recalled Nash about that game in Ontario, where Curry scored 25 points on 8 of 11 shots in a 116–75 victory. The then 40-year-old Nash played alongside Kobe Bryant, while the 26-year-old Curry ran circles around the defense.
“He’s running everywhere, and my back is done,”
admitted Nash. After a few days of reflection, he realized it was time to step away from the court.
Curry soon captured his first MVP award and led Golden State to the championship, while Nash retired later that same season. Their paths converged again when Nash became a consultant for the Warriors the following year.
“Next thing I know, you show up at our practice and you’re teaching us pick and roll,”
laughed Curry on the podcast. The three stars also discussed Curry’s groundbreaking one-motion jumpshot and the ongoing debate about whether his style changed basketball forever.
“You kind of invented something,” said Nash. “You’ve gone on to become the greatest shooter of all time by a long margin.”
Author’s Summary
Steve Nash revealed that playing against Stephen Curry in 2014 made him realize it was time to retire, marking the start of a new professional chapter between the two basketball icons.