Steve Nash hilariously credits Steph Curry for pushing him into retirement after 2014 preseason game

Steve Nash Credits Steph Curry for Prompting His Retirement

On the latest episode of the "Mind the Game" podcast, Steve Nash shared a story with LeBron James and Steph Curry about the moment he realized his NBA career was over—and how Curry played a role in that decision.

The Pivotal 2014 Preseason Game

The moment came during the 2014-15 preseason when Nash’s Los Angeles Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors in Ontario, California. The Warriors dominated early, scoring 39 points in the first quarter and eventually winning 116–75. Curry scored 12 points in the opening 2:30 and finished with 25 points in 24 minutes.

“I’m guarding Steph. They put up like 50 in the first quarter—maybe it was 45, but it felt like a 50-piece. I couldn’t have stopped him if I was 100 percent,” Nash recalled.

Realizing It Was Time to Retire

Already struggling with back issues, Nash knew he couldn't keep up with Curry’s speed. A few days after the game, Nash had a clear thought about his future.

“Man, literally like three more, four more days of thinking on it, I was like… yeah. I think it’s time,” Nash joked to Curry. “You put me out!”

End of Nash’s NBA Career

In July 2014, Nash announced that the upcoming season would be his last.
He played only three preseason games before his back problem flared up again, including the game against the Warriors.
On October 23, 2014, less than a week before the regular season opener, Nash was ruled out for the season and never returned to play in the NBA.

Steve Nash humorously credits Steph Curry’s relentless play as a key reason for his decision to retire, marking the end of an illustrious career cut short by injury.

NBC Bay Area — 2025-11-06

Steve Nash Credits Steph Curry for Prompting His Retirement

The Pivotal 2014 Preseason Game

Realizing It Was Time to Retire

End of Nash’s NBA Career

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