Steve Nash Comically Reveals How Stephen Curry Pushed Him Into Retirement
Steve Nash recently shared a lighthearted memory of the moment he realized his basketball career was coming to an end. His experience with the Los Angeles Lakers had already been marred by persistent injuries, but a specific encounter finally made him accept reality.
A Painful and Funny Realization
On an episode of Mind the Game with LeBron James, Nash described how facing Stephen Curry in a preseason game made him confront the truth about his playing days. The matchup against the Golden State Warriors turned into a wake-up call.
“I gotta find out, can I play hurt or what’s the point?”
During the Lakers-Warriors preseason game, Golden State dominated with a 39–13 first quarter. Nash, once a two-time MVP, found himself struggling to keep up while guarding Curry.
“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.”
After a few days of honest reflection, Nash accepted it was time to retire from the sport.
“Yeah, I think it’s time.”
The Unofficial End of a Legendary Career
That preseason game quietly marked the finale of Nash’s outstanding journey in basketball. He played the entire first quarter next to Kobe Bryant, contributing three points, two rebounds, and one assist while the Warriors outpaced the Lakers with ease.
Author’s Summary
Steve Nash’s candid story about guarding Stephen Curry highlights how humor and humility defined the moment he knew it was time to step away from the game.