Sixers head coach Nick Nurse left the team on Tuesday, just before Game 2 of their playoff series against the Knicks, to attend his brother Steve’s funeral, as announced by the team.
Steve Nurse passed away unexpectedly at the age of 62 on April 29, which was the day prior to the Sixers’ Game 6 victory over the Boston Celtics in the first round.
Details surrounding his death haven’t been shared, but reports indicate it came as a surprise.
Nick traveled to Ankeny, Iowa, for the service after his team’s loss to the Knicks in Game 1 the previous night, which was a significant defeat at 137-98.
Expectations are that he will return for Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
While the Sixers participated in a photo session at a hotel on Tuesday, they did not hold a formal practice.
Originally from Carroll, Iowa, Nick played college basketball at the University of Northern Iowa during the late ’80s.
Steve was a long-time equipment manager, spending 26 years with the program.
In his obituary, it noted that he and his family were devoted NBA fans, especially of the Philadelphia 76ers, and rarely missed attending games or watching broadcasts.
Knicks coach Mike Brown expressed his condolences to Nick and his family during a press conference at the team’s training facility in Greenburg, New York. “Life is precious, and I wouldn’t wish this upon anyone,” he stated, extending his thoughts to Nick and his loved ones at this difficult time.
As the 76ers prepare for Game 2, they’ll look to avoid a 2-0 series deficit before returning to Philadelphia for Game 3 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday.
