Steve Nash Explains Stephen Curry’s Influence on His Retirement
Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash shared that Stephen Curry played a key role in his decision to retire after the 2013–14 season. Nash ended his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, joining Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard — a group that, despite high expectations, failed to meet them. With age and injuries catching up, Nash eventually realized it was time to step away from the game.
Facing the Next Generation
During an episode of the show Mind the Game, co-hosted by Nash and LeBron James, the Phoenix Suns legend told Curry, who was a guest on the program, how competing against him had sealed his decision to retire.
“You might know this, but you deserve a little bit of putting me out to pasture, a little bit of my retirement story,” Nash said. “When he came into the league, I still felt like the big brother. And then he started becoming who he is, and the pendulum shifted.”
The Game That Changed Everything
Nash recounted a preseason matchup in California that made him realize just how difficult it had become to keep up with the young guard.
“We came out, I’m guarding Steph. I think they put up like 50 in the first quarter — maybe 45, but it felt like 50. He’s running everywhere, my back is gone, everything’s jacked. I couldn’t have stopped him even if I was 100%, and I’m dragging around.”
Conclusion
That moment, Nash admitted, made it clear that it was time to “walk into the sunset,” marking the end of one of the most cerebral careers in NBA history.
Author’s Summary: Steve Nash reflected that playing against Stephen Curry crystallized his decision to retire, symbolizing a passing of the torch between NBA generations.