Memories of The Man…aka Steve Nash

I’d like to start a little something on this blog and its going to require the help of my readers.  One of the favourite things that my basketball loving friends love to do is watch two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash play basketball.  Maybe its because he looks at bit like us and plays below the rim like us, but mostly I think its the pure joy and selflessness that Steve displays on the court.  Basketball is really all about building relationships with teammates/friends and turning those relationships into high quality basketball.  Its fair to say that Steve is the ultimate example of just how bringing players together can lead to great success.  On that note I’d like to share one of my favourite moments of Steve and then I’d love to hear from you about how Steve has affected your love of the game.

My favourite Steve Nash memory actually occurred while I was backpacking around Asia.  It was during the 2003 Western Conference Finals when the Dallas Mavericks were in tough against the San Antonio Spurs.  At the time I was in Haad Rin on the island Koh Pha Ngan and there was no way I was going to miss Nash in his attempts to lead the Mavs to the Finals.  Fortunately for me the Outback Bar was showing the game and I was set.   I was one of about 4 people watching the game but fortunately for me, Steve left me with something to talk about.  Part way through the 4th quarter Nash made a play that I still can’t believe.  He called for the pick and roll at the left elbow extended and when the Spurs doubled him off the pick he did a spin dribble through the double team, got into the lane and as the defense collapsed found Walt Williams in the right corner.  Williams was closed out hard so he returned the ball to Nash who had continued to move as all good players do, up to the right elbow extende.  Nash drove into the lane only to be met by Tim Duncan.  Fortunately for Steve he’s got a shot in his repetoire that even TD can’t handle.  Steve released the highest arcing running right hander you’ve ever seen that drop effortlessly through the hoop.  I gasped and let out a scream, which brought the entire bar over to the TV to see the highlight.  Even a bunch of Aussies with no clue who Steve was were in awe.  Just a great moment and one that I’ve been trying to re-live ever since with incessant attempts at the high arcing runner….