LOS ANGELES — Christmas came a few days early for the Lakers and their fans, courtesy of Santa Steve Nash, who was back in the lineup for just the third time this season as Lakers topped the Golden State Warriors in overtime, 118-115.
Nash, who had been out since Oct. 31 with a fractured left leg suffered in the season’s second game at Portland, finished with 12 points and nine assists in 40 minutes.
After weeks of rehabilitation, he rejoined the team in full-contact practices Wednesday, prompting Dwight Howard to marvel at Nash’s skills.
“He makes us a better team, even in practice,” said the Laker center.
Following Friday’s workout, Nash said depending upon how he felt when he woke up this morning, he could make his re-debut against the Warriors, but that it wasn’t likely.
“If everybody — the coaches and trainers — feels good about it there’s a chance I play (Saturday); but I think Christmas, for sure.”
Apparently he woke up relatively pain free, probably smiled, and then told the Lakers he was ready to go.
Obviously, it will take some time for the two-time Most Valuable Player to get in game shape, and he’ll probably play limited minutes. A little Nash, however, might go a long way in helping the Lakers correct one of their biggest offensive and defensive flaws — too many turnovers leading to fast break point for the opposition.
“Yeah, definitely,” said coach Mike D’Antoni. “It’s exciting (to have Nash back). Nothing against the other guys, but to have a two-time MVP run your (offense) — he’s unbelievable. He’s been doing it forever and this is what you brought him here for.”
Kobe Bryant may be the happiest Laker to see Nash return. It means he can hand over the play-making duties and concentrate on getting points and playing defense.
He’s been saying for weeks “once we get little Gatsby (Nash’s nickname given by Bryant) back, we’ll be fine.”
