Nick Nurse expected back for Philadelphia 76ers Game 2 after attending brother’s funeral

Nick Nurse stepped away from the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday to attend the funeral of his brother ahead of Game 2 of the team’s NBA playoff series against the New York Knicks.

Steve Nurse, the coach’s brother, died unexpectedly last Wednesday at the age of 62.

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Nick Nurse left the team after Philadelphia’s heavy 137-98 defeat to the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference second-round series on Monday night.

The funeral service took place in Ankeny, Iowa. Nurse is expected to return to the team in time for Game 2 on Wednesday evening at Madison Square Garden.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown offered his condolences before training on Tuesday.

“I'd like to pass my condolences along to Nick Nurse and his family, his brother's family and all their friends. Life is precious and you don't wish that upon anybody, so I'd like to pass along my condolences to him and his family while they're going through these times,” Brown said.

The Sixers are attempting to bounce back after their opening playoff loss as the series continues in New York.