Steve Nash Comically Reveals How Stephen Curry Pushed Him Into Retirement
Steve Nash recently shared a humorous story about how facing Stephen Curry in a preseason game made him realize it was time to retire from basketball. His tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers had already been hampered by injuries and frustration, and that game sealed his decision.
A Painful but Funny Realization
On the show Mind the Game with LeBron James, Nash recalled the moment when guarding Curry exposed how far his body had declined.
"I gotta find out, can I play hurt or what’s the point?"
During that Lakers–Warriors preseason match, Golden State overwhelmed Los Angeles with a 39–13 first quarter. Nash, a two-time MVP, admitted he couldn’t keep up with Curry even if fully healthy.
"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."
The End of a Legendary Career
That preseason performance—just three points, two rebounds, and an assist while sharing the court with Kobe Bryant—marked the symbolic end of Nash’s Hall of Fame career. Golden State’s dominance served as a clear sign that his playing days were behind him.
Author’s Summary: Steve Nash realized his NBA career was over after struggling to guard Stephen Curry in a preseason clash, humorously accepting that his body could no longer keep pace.