PEOPLE & HISTORY

Why did Nick Nurse step away from the 76ers during the playoff series against the Knicks?

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Nick Nurse stepped away to attend his older brother's funeral services in Iowa following his unexpected death.

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Brother's nameStephen (Steve) Nurse
Brother's age62 years old
Date of deathApril 29, 2026
Brother's roleLongtime athletic equipment manager for University of Northern Iowa
When Nurse leftTuesday, May 5, 2026, after Game 1 vs. Knicks
Expected returnTuesday evening for Game 2 on Wednesday

The Circumstances

Nick Nurse's older brother, Stephen Nurse, 62, passed away unexpectedly on April 29, 2026, the day before the Sixers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of their first-round series. Despite his brother's death, Nurse coached through Games 6 and 7 of the Celtics series and Game 1 against the New York Knicks on Monday, May 5.

The Departure

On Tuesday, May 5, Nick Nurse left the 76ers to attend his brother's funeral services in Carroll, Iowa, his hometown. The Sixers held a film session Tuesday afternoon but no practice. Nurse flew home following the Game 1 loss to the Knicks.

Expected Return

Nurse was expected to fly back from Iowa and rejoin the team Tuesday evening. He was expected to be available for Game 2 against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Brother's Background

Stephen Nurse was the longtime athletic equipment manager for the University of Northern Iowa, a position he held for many years.

Sources

  1. Sixers coach Nick Nurse steps away to mourn brother, expected back for Game 2 - The Athletic (nytimes.com)
  2. Sixers coach Nick Nurse briefly leaves team after older brother's death (usatoday.com)

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