Nick Nurse stepped away from the Philadelphia 76ers to attend his brother Steve’s funeral on May 5, 2026, in Ankeny, Iowa. This unexpected loss comes at a critical moment—just after a Game 1 defeat to the New York Knicks in the NBA playoffs.
Steve Nurse passed away unexpectedly at the age of 62. Following this tragic news, Nick left his team reeling from a 137-98 loss, which put them at a disadvantage in their playoff series.
The 76ers held a film session but opted against practice on the day of the funeral, recognizing the emotional weight of the situation. Coach Mike Brown expressed his condolences, stating, “I’d like to pass my condolences along to Nick Nurse and his family, his brother’s family and all their friends.” Such sentiments reflect the broader understanding of personal challenges that coaches face amid high-stakes competition.
Nurse has been at the helm of the 76ers since the 2023-24 season, following a successful tenure with the Toronto Raptors, where he led them to their first NBA title in 2019. His absence raises questions about how personal grief can impact coaching decisions and player performance.
Observers expect Nurse to return for Game 2 against the Knicks, scheduled for 7 PM. The team will need his leadership as they strive to even the series at 1-0.
