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Nick Nurse

Following the Philadelphia 76ers’ Game 1 loss against the New York Knicks, it was revealed that Nick Nurse was stepping away from the team for the day. According to Yahoo Sports, the head coach recently had a death in the family.

Before the Knicks’ head coach, Mike Brown, fielded questions from reporters for his Tuesday media availability, he sent his condolences to Nurse and his family.

Mike Brown Sends Heartfelt Message to Nick Nurse

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 13: Mike Brown of the New York Knicks directs his team during the first half of a preseason game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on October 13, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

“I don’t know a ton about the situation, but I’d heard about Nick’s brother, and I’d like to pass my condolences along to Nick Nurse and his family, his brother’s family and all their friends,” Brown told reporters.

“Life is precious, and you don’t wish that upon anybody. And so I’d like to pass all my condolences to him and his family while they’re going through these times.”

Nick Nurse Steps Away From The Sixers

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 20: Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach Nick Nurse talks to the team during a timeout during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arwen Clemans/Getty Images)

Nick’s brother, Steve, reportedly died last week, one day before the 76ers faced off against the Boston Celtics at home for Game 6.

Nurse kept the situation a private matter as he continued coaching for the Sixers throughout the series.

After the 76ers defeated the Celtics at home to force Game 7, they traveled to Boston and closed out the series. The Sixers came back from a 1-3 deficit to put together the biggest upset of the playoffs so far. Nurse coached his team with a heavy heart.

GettyWASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 09: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Washington Wizards during first half at Capital One Arena on April 9, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

According to Yahoo Sports, Nurse is expected to return to the team before Wednesday’s game against the New York Knicks.

The series tipped off on Monday for Game 1. The 76ers were dominated with a score of 137-98. The Sixers left the game with optimism about the series going forward. The series will continue on Wednesday, May 6, when the two teams tip off for Game 2.