Steve Nash Credits Steph Curry for Pushing Him into Retirement
On a recent episode of the Mind the Game podcast, Steve Nash shared a memorable story with LeBron James and guest Steph Curry. He recounted the moment he realized his NBA career was over—and Curry played a big part in that decision.
2014-15 Preseason Clash
The key moment came during the 2014-15 preseason when Nash's Los Angeles Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors in Ontario, California. The Warriors dominated early, scoring 39 points in the first quarter and eventually winning 116–75. Curry scored 12 points within the first 2 minutes and 30 seconds and ended the game with 25 points in just 24 minutes.
“I’m guarding Steph,” Nash said. “They put up like 50 in the first quarter—maybe it was 45, but it felt like fifty. I couldn’t have stopped him if I was 100 percent.”
The Toll on Nash’s Body
Dealing with persistent back issues, Nash realized he could no longer keep pace with Curry's quick movements around screens. A few days later, after reflecting on the game, he admitted to Curry, “Man, literally like three more, four more days of thinking on it, I was like… yeah. I think it’s time. You put me out!”
End of an Era
Earlier in July 2014, Nash had already announced the upcoming season would be his last. However, after playing just three preseason games, including the tough matchup against the Warriors, his back problems flared up again. On October 23, 2014, less than a week before the regular season started, he was ruled out for the entire season and never returned to the NBA court.
“You put me out!” — Steve Nash, jokingly to Steph Curry about his retirement decision.
Author’s summary: Steve Nash humorously credits Steph Curry's dominant preseason performance in 2014 as the catalyst prompting his retirement, highlighting the physical toll on his body and the end of his NBA career.