Steve Nash Credits Steph Curry for Ending His NBA Career
On the latest episode of the "Mind the Game" podcast, co-host Steve Nash shared with LeBron James and guest Steph Curry how a 2014 preseason game made him realize his NBA journey was over — and Curry was the reason behind it.
The Game That Changed Everything
During the 2014–15 preseason, Nash and the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors in Ontario, California. The Warriors started strong, scoring 39 points in the first quarter and cruising to a 116–75 victory.
Curry exploded early with 12 points in just the first two and a half minutes and ended the night with 25 points in 24 minutes of play.
“I’m guarding Steph,” Nash said. “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.”
The Moment of Realization
Already battling chronic back issues, Nash knew he couldn’t keep up with Curry’s nonstop movement around screens. A few days later, the veteran guard came to terms with what that night meant for 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!”
The End of an Era
Nash had already announced in July 2014 that the upcoming season would be his last. He appeared in only three preseason games before recurring back pain ended his season — and his career. On October 23, 2014, less than a week before opening night, he was ruled out for the season and never played in the NBA again.
Author's Summary
Steve Nash humorously recalled how Steph Curry’s dominance in a 2014 preseason game convinced him that it was time to retire from professional basketball.