76ers Coach Nick Nurse Attends Brother's Funeral During Knicks Playoff Series

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse was away from the team Tuesday ahead of Game 2 of its second-round playoff series against the Knicks to attend the funeral of his brother Steve, the team told the Philadelphia Inquirer. Steve Nurse, 62, died last Wednesday, April 29, the day before the Sixers’ Game 6 win over the Boston Celtics in the first round.

A cause of death was not given, though the Inquirer reported that his passing was unexpected. Nick Nurse left New York City following his team’s 137-98 Game 1 loss to the Knicks on Monday night to travel to Ankeny, Iowa, for the services. The coach is expected to rejoin the Sixers for Game 2 on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.

The Sixers held a film session at their hotel Tuesday afternoon but did not practice. A Carroll, Iowa native, Nick Nurse played basketball at the University of Northern Iowa from 1985 to 1989.

Steve spent 26 years as an equipment manager for the University of Northern Iowa program. His obituary states that he and his family were avid NBA fans, most recently of the Philadelphia 76ers. They attended many games in person across the country and rarely missed broadcasts.

The 76ers look to avoid falling into a 2-0 series hole Wednesday before the second-round series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.