76ers Coach Nick Nurse Attends Brother’s Funeral, Expected Back for Game 2

Key facts

• Nick Nurse missed Tuesday’s team activities to attend funeral services for his older brother, Stephen Nurse, in Carroll, Iowa.
• Stephen Nurse, 62, died unexpectedly on April 29, the day before the Sixers eliminated the Celtics in Game 6 of the first round.
• Nurse coached Games 6 and 7 against Boston and Game 1 against New York before leaving for the funeral.
• The Knicks defeated the Sixers 137-98 in Game 1 on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
• Nurse is expected to rejoin the team Tuesday evening and be available for Game 2 on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
• The Sixers held a film session but no practice on Tuesday afternoon.
• Stephen Nurse was the longtime athletic equipment manager for the University of Northern Iowa.
• Nick Nurse has been the Sixers’ head coach for three seasons, leading them to the playoffs twice.

Coach’s Absence After Personal Tragedy

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse was away from the team on Tuesday to attend funeral services for his older brother, Stephen Nurse, who died unexpectedly last week at age 62. The coach left New York immediately after Monday night’s 137-98 loss to the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, flying to his hometown of Carroll, Iowa, for the service. He is expected to return to the team Tuesday evening and be on the bench for Wednesday’s Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.

Stephen Nurse’s Death and Its Timing

Stephen Nurse passed away on April 29, the day before the Sixers faced the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the first round. Nick Nurse remained with the team for that game and for Game 7, which Philadelphia won to advance, as well as for Game 1 against the Knicks. The funeral was held Tuesday in Ankeny, Iowa, according to the Associated Press. Stephen had served as the longtime athletic equipment manager for the University of Northern Iowa.

Team Response and Preparations

The Sixers held a film session Tuesday morning but did not practice, as reported by The Athletic. Assistant coaches led the session in Nurse’s absence. The team is preparing for a must-win Game 2 after a lopsided defeat in which the Knicks shot 56.5% from the field and outrebounded Philadelphia 52-33. Nurse’s return is expected to provide a stabilizing presence for a squad now trailing 1-0 in the best-of-seven series.

Nurse’s Coaching Tenure and Playoff History

Nick Nurse took over as the Sixers’ head coach at the start of the 2023-24 season and has led the team to the playoffs in both of his seasons, including this year’s run to the second round. Before joining Philadelphia, he coached the Toronto Raptors from 2018-19, winning the NBA championship in his first season after five years as an assistant. His playoff experience includes navigating personal adversity, having coached through his brother’s death during the current postseason.

Series Outlook and Next Steps

Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden, broadcast on ESPN. The Sixers will need to adjust defensively after allowing 137 points in Game 1, the most they have surrendered in a playoff game this year. Nurse’s return could help refocus the team, but the Knicks hold momentum and home-court advantage. Philadelphia has not won a playoff series since 2021 and faces an uphill battle against a Knicks team that won 50 games in the regular season.

The bottom line

• Nick Nurse missed a day of playoff preparation to attend his brother’s funeral, underscoring the human cost behind professional sports.
• Stephen Nurse’s unexpected death occurred just before a critical Game 6, yet Nurse continued coaching through the first round and Game 1 of the second round.
• The Sixers lost Game 1 by 39 points, their largest playoff defeat since 2019, adding pressure for Game 2.
• Nurse is expected back for Game 2, but the team’s film session without him highlights the disruption.
• The Knicks lead the series 1-0 and have won three straight playoff games at Madison Square Garden.