Steve Nash Jokes About How Stephen Curry Ended His Career
Steve Nash, the legendary point guard, shared a humorous yet honest story about the moment he realized it was time to retire from basketball. His experience with the Los Angeles Lakers turned out far from what he had hoped, as injuries accumulated and his body could no longer keep up with the game’s demands.
Speaking on the podcast Mind the Game with LeBron James, Nash recalled how a preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors became a turning point in his career.
“I gotta find out, can I play hurt or what’s the point?”
During that game, Golden State dominated the Lakers with a 39–13 first quarter. Nash was tasked with guarding Stephen Curry, an assignment that quickly exposed the limits of his body.
“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 reflecting for a few days, Nash accepted the inevitable.
“Yeah, I think it’s time.”
That preseason meeting against the Warriors unofficially marked the end of Nash’s remarkable career. Sharing the court with Kobe Bryant for one final stretch, he managed three points, two rebounds, and one assist before stepping away from the game that had defined his life.
Author’s Summary
Steve Nash revealed with humor and self-awareness that facing Stephen Curry in a preseason game made him realize retirement had become inevitable.