Steve Nash on Stephen Curry’s Impact on His Career
In a recent episode of the Mind The Game podcast, Steve Nash shared a personal and surprising story about his encounter with Stephen Curry that influenced his decision to retire from the NBA.
The Defining Preseason Moment
The former Canadian point guard recalled a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, where he was assigned to guard the emerging star from San Francisco. It was during this game that Nash realized he was no longer at his peak.
“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?’”
Challenges on the Court
The matchup was highlighted by the young guard’s remarkable performance, undeniably demonstrating his talent and agility. Nash remembered the difficulty of trying to keep up with Curry, who was already making a significant impact.
“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.”
Guests and Reflections
The conversation featured LeBron James and Stephen Curry as guests, adding further depth to the memory. Curry even laughed recalling that game in Ontario, California, highlighting the moment’s significance for both players.
Steve Nash’s story illuminates how facing a rising star like Stephen Curry became a turning point in his career, leading to difficult but necessary decisions about his future.
Summary: Steve Nash revealed that guarding Stephen Curry in a challenging preseason game made him confront his physical limits, ultimately influencing his retirement decision.