Steve Nash Shares Defining Moment Involving Stephen Curry
In the latest episode of the Mind The Game podcast, Steve Nash revealed a deeply personal story about an encounter with Stephen Curry that influenced his decision to retire from the NBA.
Preseason Game Against Golden State Warriors
Nash recounted a preseason matchup where he was assigned to guard the rising star Stephen Curry. It was during this game that he realized his physical abilities were declining.
“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?’”
Reflection During the Game
The conversation, which also included LeBron James and Stephen Curry, highlighted Nash’s struggle to keep up with Curry’s emerging talent. Nash described the challenge vividly:
“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.”
Curry chuckled while recalling that game in Ontario, California, emphasizing the intensity of the moment and its impact on Nash’s decision-making about his career.
Summary
Steve Nash’s experience guarding Stephen Curry during a difficult preseason game made him confront his physical limits, ultimately inspiring his retirement.
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