Steve Nash on Stephen Curry’s Impact on His Career
In a recent episode of the Mind The Game podcast, Steve Nash shared a deeply personal story involving Stephen Curry that played a key role in his decision to retire from the NBA.
The Defining Moment Against the Warriors
During a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, Nash was assigned to guard the rising star Stephen Curry. This game became a turning point for Nash as he confronted his physical limits.
He recalled the experience vividly during the conversation featuring LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
“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?’”
The Challenge of Keeping Up with Curry
Curry chuckled while recalling that night in Ontario, California. Nash described the difficulty of defending the young guard, who was already displaying exceptional 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.”
Reflection on Retirement
This intense physical challenge made Nash realize that his career was nearing its end, marking an emotional and defining moment for him.
Author’s summary: Steve Nash’s encounter with Stephen Curry during a preseason game illuminated his physical decline and became a pivotal moment leading to his NBA retirement.