Steve Nash Reveals Defining Career Moment Against Stephen Curry
In a recent episode of the Mind The Game podcast, Steve Nash shared a deeply personal and unexpected story involving Stephen Curry, which he credits as a turning point leading to his NBA retirement.
Preseason Encounter with the Golden State Warriors
The former Canadian point guard recalled a preseason game where he was assigned to guard the emerging star from San Francisco, Stephen Curry. It was during this matchup that Nash realized his physical capabilities were diminishing.
“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 on Physical Condition
Joined by fellow guests LeBron James and Stephen Curry, Nash vividly described how struggling to match Curry's pace made him confront his bodily limits and reconsider his future in the league.
“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’s Perspective on the Game
Curry chimed in with laughter, reminiscing about that night in Ontario, California, marking the moment he began to truly showcase his exceptional talent against a seasoned veteran.
Steve Nash’s story highlights the challenges athletes face in recognizing when it is time to step away from the game.
Author’s summary: Steve Nash’s candid recount of guarding Stephen Curry in a preseason game reveals the physical and mental battles leading to his NBA retirement decision.