76ers Coach Nick Nurse Misses Practice for Brother's Funeral in Iowa

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse missed time with the team on Tuesday to attend his brother's funeral in Iowa.

Steve Nurse, Nick's brother, died unexpectedly last Wednesday at age 62, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The death came one day before Nick Nurse coached the 76ers to a Game 6 victory over the Boston Celtics.

Nurse coached from the bench during the 76ers' 137-98 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series Monday night at Madison Square Garden. He is due back Tuesday night ahead of Game 2 on Wednesday.

The 76ers came back from a 3-1 deficit against Boston, taking three straight games to clinch the series Saturday night and advance.

In Game 1, the 76ers appeared drained after their emotional push. The Knicks built a 40-point lead at one point in the blowout win, extending their strong form from the first round against the Atlanta Hawks.

New York became the first NBA team to win three straight postseason games by at least 25 points. After falling behind 2-1 to Atlanta, the Knicks took four in a row by a combined 135 points. They are the first team since detailed play-by-play records began in 1996-97 to lead three straight playoff games by 30 or more points, Sportradar said.

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 35 points. OG Anunoby added 18 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges scored 17 each. No New York starters saw the floor in the fourth quarter.

Nurse's 76ers host the Knicks in Game 2 Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.