Steve Nash Reveals Career-Defining Moment with Stephen Curry
In a recent episode of the Mind The Game podcast, Steve Nash opened up about a pivotal and personal moment with Stephen Curry that influenced his decision to retire from the NBA. The former Canadian point guard recounted an experience during a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, where he was assigned to guard the rising star from San Francisco.
Reflection During the Preseason Match
Nash vividly described how that game made him confront his physical limitations and reevaluate his future in professional basketball. He remembered the intense challenge of trying to keep pace with Curry, whose skills were rapidly blossoming.
“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?’”
Stephen Curry’s Perspective
Curry, also a guest on the podcast alongside LeBron James, laughed as he recalled that night in Ontario, California. Nash shared how difficult it was to guard the young guard who had already started to display his extraordinary talent on the court.
“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 marked a turning point for Nash, making him realize that his body could no longer perform at the level he demanded, ultimately leading him toward retirement.
Author’s summary: Steve Nash’s tough preseason duel with Stephen Curry revealed his physical decline and became a defining moment that led to the end of his NBA career.