Steve Nash recalls with humor how guarding Stephen Curry during a preseason game made him realize it was time to retire.
Nash's time with the Los Angeles Lakers ended disappointingly. What started as a hopeful late-career chapter quickly fell apart due to injuries and a body that no longer cooperated. Lakers fans recognized this before Nash himself did.
On a new episode of Mind the Game with LeBron James, Nash shared how facing Curry was a turning point. Reflecting on the preseason game between the Lakers and Warriors, where Golden State dominated the first quarter 39-13, Nash questioned his ability to continue.
“I gotta find out, can I play hurt or what’s the point?” Nash recalled.
He described the game:
“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 concluded that it was time to step away:
“Yeah, I think it’s time.”
That preseason outing effectively marked the end of Nash’s storied career. He played the full first quarter alongside Kobe Bryant, recording just three points, two rebounds, and one assist as Golden State outplayed the Lakers completely.
This story captures Nash's candid and humorous acceptance of his decline sparked by a humbling game against Curry, marking a poignant close to his professional basketball journey.
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