Nick Nurse and the Philadelphia 76ers ran into a New York Knicks buzzsaw as they got utterly humiliated and obliterated in a 30-point blowout and series sweep on their own court. Not only did they give up the series, but they also ceded their arena to a large army of Knicks fans, as the entire organization endured a humiliation ritual.
Head coach Nick Nurse is also facing calls for his firing from angry Sixers fans and local analysts after their 144-114 rout by the Knicks to end their season. During the entirety of the series, Nurse’s facial expression ranged from aghast to utterly dumfounded as to what to do to stop the Knick buzzsaw.
76ers Fans Call For The Removal Of Nick Nurse After Humiliating Sweep By Knicks
In fairness to Nurse, the Sixers exceeded most expectations after beating the Boston Celtics in a remarkable comeback down three games to one to win the first round series in seven.
Despite personal hardships after the death of his brother, Nurse led his fatigued team to face a New York team absolutely stacked with depth and in red-hot form.
And so it was, the Knicks roasted the Sixers handily in four games, and await the winners of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons for the Conference Finals. An incredible performance and achievement for the Knicks, who are now back-to-back Conference finalists.
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III took to the platform X to say this defeat was a “fireable offense.”
Saying, “The New York Knicks are beating the 76ers like they stole something. Losing by 40 in a closeout game in their own arena is a fireable offense.”
The New York Knicks are beating the 76ers like they stole something. Losing by 40 in a close out game on your home court is a fireable offense.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 10, 2026
Meanwhile, X account Kenlovehoops demanded the firing of 76ers President Daryl Morey and head coach Nurse. “If Daryl Morey and Nick Nurse still have jobs after this season, the Philadelphia 76ers are not a serious franchise.”
Local sports radio host in the Philly area, Michael K-B, was equally unforgiving: “This should be Nick Nurse’s last game as head coach of the Sixers.”
This should be Nick Nurse’s last game as head coach of the #sixers.
— Michael K-B (@therealmikekb) May 10, 2026
76ers content editor for ‘Sports Talk PHL,’ Matt Gregan demanded serious organizational changes. As well as Nurse and Morey to be on the hot seat: “At least getting swept and embarrassed on your home floor should lead to serious organizational changes for the Sixers. Both Nick Nurse and Daryl Morey should be on the hot seat.”
At least getting swept and embarrassed on your home floor should lead to serious organizational changes for the #Sixers. Both Nick Nurse and Daryl Morey should be on the hot seat.
— Matt Gregan (@Gregan_Sports) May 10, 2026
On the other hand, while many are demanding their head coach to be on the hot seat, another local sports host, Josh Reynolds, wished to give Nurse credit.
Pointing out the hardship that Nurse faced in the series, “He coached through (& won) a series while battling the loss of his brother. I cannot even imagine. He coached a phenomenal series & deserves credit.”
I’ve had my fair share of thoughts about Nick Nurse’s coaching this season, but have to give him credit…
He coached through (& won) a series while battling the loss of his brother. I cannot even imagine. He coached a phenomenal series & deserves credit. pic.twitter.com/Edeizjdz7g
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) May 10, 2026
Perhaps once the sting of the loss fades in a few weeks, a sense of perspective can be restored. The Sixers arguably overachieved getting that far, and Nurse deserves credit for that. They fell to a Knicks team built to go all the way.
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They simply couldn’t match the Knicks’ athleticism and shooting depth. However, the manner of the defeat and the indignity of their entire arena cheering for the Knicks essentially on Sunday are equally horrible looks for the franchise. Many questions ahead this offseason for the Sixers.
