In a recent episode of the Mind The Game podcast, Steve Nash shared a personal and unexpected story involving Stephen Curry that played a significant role in his decision to retire from the NBA. Nash, a former Canadian point guard, revealed the defining moment occurred during a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, where he was tasked with guarding the emerging star from San Francisco.
That game made Nash realize that he was no longer the player he once was. The conversation, which included LeBron James and Stephen Curry as guests, featured Nash reflecting on his physical condition and future in the league.
“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?’”
Curry chimed in, laughing as he recalled that night in Ontario, California. Nash described the struggle to keep up with Curry, who was already demonstrating his exceptional talent.
“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.”
Steve Nash credits a preseason showdown with Stephen Curry as a key moment that made him confront his physical limitations and contributed to his NBA retirement decision.
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