Steve Nash Comically Reveals How Stephen Curry Pushed Him Into Retirement
Steve Nash recently shared a humorous reflection on the moment he realized his NBA career was over. Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, his final years were marked by recurring injuries and frustration as his body struggled to keep up with the demands of the game.
The turning point came during a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, when Nash found himself trying—and failing—to guard rising star Stephen Curry. On a new episode of Mind the Game with LeBron James, Nash recounted how that experience made him confront the truth about his playing days.
“I gotta find out, can I play hurt or what’s the point?”
The Lakers were overwhelmed from the start, trailing 39–13 by the end of the first quarter. Nash, already nursing injuries, couldn’t contain Curry’s quickness and shooting. The moment was both humbling and funny to him.
“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 that game, Nash took a few days to reflect before realizing what he had known deep down.
“Yeah, I think it’s time.”
That preseason matchup quietly marked the end of Nash’s decorated career. Sharing the court with Kobe Bryant for one of the last times, he scored three points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished one assist while Golden State dominated throughout.
Author’s Summary
Steve Nash humorously admitted that facing Stephen Curry during a tough preseason game made him realize his NBA career had reached its end.