Steve Nash
The point guard who orchestrated the league's best offense and won MVP in 2005.
Steve Nash was the point guard who transformed the Phoenix Suns into a high-powered offensive machine during the 2004–05 season. After being re-acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in the offseason, Nash signed a 6-year, $65.6 million deal and immediately became the engine of Mike D'Antoni's "Seven Seconds or Less" system. He finished the regular season averaging 11.5 assists per game, making 50.2% of his field goals and 43.1% of his three-pointers, and won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award. Nash was also selected as a reserve for the Western Conference in the 2005 All-Star Game, finishing third in voting among Western Conference guards with 1,148,275 votes, and was named to the All-NBA First Team.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 7 February 1974
- Birthplace
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Nationality
- Canadian
- Team
- Phoenix Suns
- Position
- Senior advisor
- League
- NBA
- High school
- St. Michaels (Victoria, British Columbia)
- College
- Santa Clara (1992–1996)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Nash's return to Phoenix in the 2004 offseason was the catalyst for one of the greatest single-season turnarounds in NBA history. The Suns improved by 33 wins over the previous season, the third-best year-to-year jump ever, and finished with a franchise-best 62–20 record. Nash's leadership was tested when he missed games due to a bruised thigh and back spasms in January, and a strained hamstring in late February, contributing to a six-game losing streak after a 31–4 start. Despite those absences, he led the league in assists per game and was named Western Conference Player of the Week three times (for games played December 19–25, February 6–12, and again in February). In the playoffs, Nash guided the Suns past the Memphis Grizzlies in a four-game sweep and defeated his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, in six games before falling to the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals.
Reader's Guide
Steve Nash's 2004–05 season with the Suns is defined by his MVP-winning performance and his role in the league's most efficient offense. He averaged 11.5 assists per game, led the NBA in that category, and shot 50.2% from the field and 43.1% from three-point range. Nash was named to the All-NBA First Team and won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award. He also won the Skills Challenge at the 2005 All-Star Weekend with a time of 25.8 seconds. His partnership with Amar'e Stoudemire and Shawn Marion created a pick-and-roll attack that powered the Suns to a 62–20 record, tying the franchise best. Nash's ability to draw fouls and shoot from long range made him a nightmare for defenses, and his leadership was recognized with three Western Conference Player of the Week awards. After the season, the Suns traded Joe Johnson to the Hawks and Quentin Richardson to the Knicks, but Nash remained the cornerstone of the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Steve Nash?
He was a Canadian point guard who became the face of the franchise during the mid-2000s. His jersey number 13 is permanently retired by the Suns to honor his legendary tenure.
What are Steve Nash's major accolades?
He is a two-time league Most Valuable Player and holds numerous all-star selections from his time in Phoenix. His career achievements led to his eventual enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
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