Steve Nash Humorously Reveals How Stephen Curry Pushed Him Into Retirement
Steve Nash recalls with humor how guarding Stephen Curry during a preseason game convinced him it was time to retire from basketball. His final season with the Los Angeles Lakers was filled with setbacks as injuries mounted and his body struggled to keep up.
Lakers fans recognized Nash's decline before he did, but the reality became clear when he faced Curry on the court. Nash shared the story on a recent episode of Mind the Game with LeBron James, opening up about the moment it dawned on him that continuing to play hurt wasn’t viable.
Facing Curry Highlighted the Struggle
During the preseason matchup between the Lakers and Golden State Warriors, the Warriors dominated with a 39 to 13 first quarter. Nash, who was guarding Curry, found himself overwhelmed and exhausted.
“I gotta find out, can I play hurt or what’s the point?” Nash recalled.
He continued:
“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.”
Conclusion to a Legendary Career
After reflecting on that game, Nash concluded it was time to step away from basketball:
“Yeah, I think it’s time.”
That preseason game marked the unofficial end of Nash’s career. He played alongside Kobe Bryant for the full first quarter, contributing three points, two rebounds, and an assist, while the Warriors decisively outplayed the Lakers.
Author's Summary
Steve Nash humorously shares how one challenging preseason game guarding Stephen Curry helped him realize it was time to retire from professional basketball.