Steve Nash Comically Reveals How Stephen Curry Pushed Him Into Retirement
Steve Nash recently shared a humorous yet reflective story about the moment he realized his time in the NBA was over. His brief stay with the Los Angeles Lakers had already been marked by injuries and frustration, but one preseason game against Stephen Curry sealed it.
The Realization Moment
Appearing on the show Mind the Game with LeBron James, Nash opened up about how facing Curry made him question his future in basketball. During that matchup between the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers fell behind 39–13 in the first quarter as Nash tried, unsuccessfully, to guard Curry.
“I gotta find out, can I play hurt or what’s the point?”
“I’m guarding Steph. I couldn’t stop him if I was 100 percent. I’m dragging around, and Steve Kerr is putting me in every action. I’m looking over at Steve like, ‘C’mon, Stevie.’ They’re laughing at me.”
The Decision to Step Away
After reflecting on that game, Nash came to terms with reality.
“Yeah, I think it’s time.”
That preseason outing turned out to be the symbolic conclusion of Nash’s legendary career. He played the entire first quarter beside Kobe Bryant, scoring three points, securing two rebounds, and recording one assist as the Warriors dominated.
Author’s Summary
In a candid and lighthearted reflection, Steve Nash revealed that one difficult preseason matchup against Stephen Curry convinced him that his playing days had truly reached their end.