At this point in the season there aren’t very many players that are completely healthy. In fact, after going through an 82-game regular season there isn’t a player in the league that doesn’t at least have some sort of injury, even if it’s something minor. One player who has dealt with more than his fair share of injuries this season is Steve Nash, who referred to this as the most frustrating season of his career.
—- Get to know Steve Nash in this player profile! —-
Still, even with the injuries, Nash suited up for the team for Game 1 of the playoffs and is expected to play in Game 2 on Wednesday. Nash’s teammate, Pau Gasol, recently told Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles that he believes Nash would still be on the sideline if this wasn’t the playoffs.
Gasol said Nash would be sitting out if it were still the regular season.
“He’s fighting through something that probably would have kept him out longer if it wasn’t the playoffs,” Gasol said. “I think it’s something that we’re happy to have him back with us. I think he played really well, considering. He’s just fighting through it.”
This goes to show you just how severe the injury is. And in reality, Gasol probably is correct. Nash didn’t play in the final eight games of the Lakers’ regular season. The injured hip/hamstring has been debilitating for Nash, who just never was able to get into a rhythm this season for the Lakers.
Nash didn’t play terrible in Game 1, scoring 16 points in 29 minutes. Still, Nash admitted it’s a slow recovery process, and that he wants to do whatever he can to produce for his teammates.
Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni also mentioned Nash’s importance, saying the Lakers won’t succeed without him.
Nash and the Lakers will face the Spurs in Game 2 on Wednesday night in San Antonio as they look to tie the series at one game apiece.
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In case you missed it, be sure to check out Kobe Bryant making two free throws with a ruptured Achilles in our Play of the Week!
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