Steve Nash Credits Steph Curry for Ending His Career
In the latest episode of the "Mind the Game" podcast, co-host Steve Nash shared a story with LeBron James and guest Steph Curry about the moment he realized his NBA career was over — and Curry played a major role in it.
The Turning Point
The event took place during the 2014–2015 preseason when Nash’s Los Angeles Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors in Ontario, California. Golden State started hot, scoring 39 points in the first quarter and ultimately winning 116–75. Curry poured in 12 points within the first 2 minutes and 30 seconds and finished with 25 points in just 24 minutes.
Nash’s Reflection
“I’m guarding Steph,” Nash said. “They put up like 50 in the first quarter — maybe it was 45, but it felt like a 50-piece. I couldn’t have stopped him if I was 100 percent.”
Already struggling with lingering back issues, Nash admitted he couldn’t keep up with Curry’s relentless movement. A few days later, he came to terms with the end of his playing days.
“Man, literally like three more, four more days of thinking on it, I was like… yeah. I think it’s time,” Nash joked to Curry. “You put me out!”
The Season That Never Was
Nash had previously announced in July 2014 that the upcoming season would likely be his last. However, after just three preseason games, his back problems flared up again. On October 23, 2014, less than a week before the regular season began, he was officially ruled out and never played another NBA game.
Author’s Summary
Steve Nash humorously admitted on his podcast that Steph Curry’s dazzling preseason performance helped him realize it was time to end his NBA career in 2014.