Steve Nash Reveals How Stephen Curry Influenced His NBA Retirement
In a recent episode of the Mind The Game podcast, Steve Nash shared a personal and unexpected story about an encounter with Stephen Curry that contributed to his decision to retire from the NBA.
The Preseason Game That Changed Everything
The former Canadian point guard recounted a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, where he was assigned to guard the then rising star, Curry. This experience made Nash confront his declining physical condition.
“My nerves were shot, and I just couldn’t recover. I thought, ‘I have to figure this out.’ It had been a week since my last game. We were going to play them in the preseason, and I kept thinking, ‘I have to play through the injury. And if not, what’s the point?’”
A Defining Moment on the Court
During the discussion, accompanied by LeBron James and Stephen Curry, Nash described the challenge of matching Curry’s pace and skill, recalling how difficult it was to keep up with the young guard's talent.
“We got on the court, and I was guarding Steph. I think they scored like 50 points in the first quarter — maybe 45, but it felt like 50. My back was shot, my body was done."
Impact on Nash's Career
This game allowed Nash to realize he was no longer the player he once was and played a key role in his decision to step away from the league.
Author's summary: Steve Nash’s encounter with Stephen Curry during a preseason game revealed the physical limits he faced, prompting a pivotal moment leading to his NBA retirement.