Nick Nurse and the Philadelphia 76ers didn’t have much time to celebrate their Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The team quickly headed to New York for Game 1 of their second-round series against the Knicks.
Game 1 didn’t go as planned for the 76ers, as they lost 137-98 on Monday evening. Now, it was reported that Nurse is away from the team while he mourns the sudden death of his brother, and support poured in.
76ers HC Nick Nurse Mourning His Brother’s Passing As the NBA Community Sends Prayers
In the aftermath of the 76ers’ loss to the Knicks, Yahoo Sports revealed that Nurse has stepped away from the team temporarily to attend his late brother’s funeral. Nurse’s brother Steve passed away unexpectedly last week. He left the team following Game 1 and is expected to be back in time for Game 2.
Many members of the NBA world sent condolences to Nurse following the shocking news.
“My condolences. I can’t even imagine focusing on coaching a high stakes game basketball game with that in mind,” one user wrote on X.
Oh man this is awful, RIP and condolences to Nick and his family https://t.co/BrYH9VMXXH
— Alex B. (@KnicksCentral) May 5, 2026
“Oh man, this is awful, RIP and condolences to Nick and his family,” Knicks Central added.
NBA analyst Chris Walder reacted: “That’s horrible. Prayers for Nick Nurse and his family during this difficult time.”
That’s horrible. Prayers for Nick Nurse and his family during this difficult time. https://t.co/ZeVFGcWw8T
— Chris Walder (@WalderSports) May 5, 2026
“damn this is incredibly sad. well wishes his family’s way,” one influencer added.
“I hope I speak for the rest of us Knicks fans when I say that our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with coach Nurse, his friends, and family during this time,” a Knicks page wrote.
Sports content creator Gabby Maljanian wrote: “That’s so sad, sending prayers to Nick and his family.”
That’s so sad 💔 sending prayers to Nick and his family 🙏🏻 https://t.co/ulPSIbasP7
— Gabby Maljanian (@gabbymaljanian) May 5, 2026
Nurse was obviously coaching with a heavy heart Game 1. While Nurse is taking time to be with his family today, he is expected to be back in time for Game 2 and the 76ers will look for answers in the series.
Stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey were completely ineffective in Game 1, and Paul George and VJ Edgecombe didn’t pick up the slack.
Game 2 between the 76ers and Knicks tips off on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.
