Philadelphia 76ers Coach Nick Nurse Misses Game 2 of 2026 Playoffs Due to Brother's Funeral

Nick Nurse was absent for the Philadelphia 76ers' second game of the 2026 playoffs after attending his brother’s funeral.

Coach departs team for service Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse was not with the team on Tuesday before Game 2 of their second-round playoff matchup against the New York Knicks. He traveled to attend the funeral of his brother, Steve Nurse, who passed away unexpectedly last Wednesday. The team had just suffered a 137-98 defeat in the opening game of the series against the Knicks on Monday, and Nurse left immediately afterward to be present for the service held on Tuesday in Ankeny, Iowa. ## Knicks dominate opening contest The New York Knicks delivered a commanding performance in Game 1, securing a 39-point victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. The win marked the continuation of a strong playoff run for the Knicks. The lopsided score set the stage for the second game of the series, where Nurse was absent due to personal reasons. ## Sixers coach set to return Nick Nurse is expected to rejoin the 76ers for their next game against the Knicks on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. The team will look to bounce back from their opening loss as they prepare to face their opponent in New York. The absence of their head coach added an extra challenge to their preparations for Game 2. ## Knicks coach offers condolences New York Knicks coach Mike Brown expressed sympathy for Nick Nurse and his family during a press briefing at the team's training facility near Greenburgh. Brown acknowledged the difficulty of the situation and wished the Nurse family strength during this time. He emphasized the preciousness of life and conveyed his condolences to Nurse and his loved ones. The gesture highlighted the mutual respect between the two coaches amid the competitive playoff atmosphere.