Nick Nurse away from Sixers Tuesday to attend brother's funeral services

Gina Mizell, The Philadelphia Inquirer on May 5, 2026

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NEW YORK — Nick Nurse is away from the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday to attend the funeral services for his brother, Steve, who died unexpectedly last week, the team told The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Athletic.

Steve Nurse, 62, died April 29, the day before the Sixers’ Game 6 win over the Boston Celtics in the first round. Nick Nurse left New York City following his team’s Game 1 loss to the Knicks on Monday night to travel to Ankeny, Iowa, for the services. The coach expects to rejoin the Sixers in New York later Tuesday.

Like his brother, Steve dedicated much of his life to athletics. He spent spent 26 years as an equipment manager for the University of Northern Iowa, where Nick also is an alumnus. Steve’s obituary also 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 Sixers held a film session at their hotel Tuesday afternoon but did not practice in preparation for Wednesday’s Game 2 at Madison Square Garden. Game 3 is Friday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.