New York Knicks star big man Karl-Anthony Towns sent a compassionate message to Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse amid the second-round series between the two teams.
Nurse’s brother, Steve, passed away unexpectedly late last month, and Nick has had to navigate his passing while also coaching the Sixers in the postseason.
The Sixers held a moment of silence for Steve Nurse prior to Game 3 between Philadelphia and New York.
Karl-Anthony Towns Sends Condolences to Nick Nurse After the Death of his Brother
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 30: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half of a game against the Atlanta Hawks in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Towns, who lost his mother to Covid-19, can relate to Nurse’s pain and he sent some heartfelt condolences to Philadelphia’s head coach.
“My family wanted to give love and condolences to Nick Nurse’s brother and his family….I haven’t been able to talk to him personally, but I know it’s real tough,” Towns said.
“I don’t know what he’s going through, but in a similar fashion I know how it is to have to show up to work and to have a lot of pressure on you to do something special when you’re kind of not fully there.”
This is a really classy move from Towns. Some things are bigger than basketball, and it’s commendable for Towns to put the current series and rivalry between the Knicks and Sixers aside in order to show support for the opposing coach.
Nick Nurse Coaching Through Difficult Personal Situation
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Head Coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Tyrese Maxey #0 during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on December 07, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Continuing to coach while dealing with a personal tragedy can’t be an easy situation for Nurse, but basketball can also serve as a needed distraction during difficult times. Plus, he said that’s exactly what his brother would want him to do.
“I mean, kind of the film and the practice and the game and all that stuff kind of takes care of some time, right?” Nurse said prior to Game 2 against New York. “But I’m here coaching and my brother would expect me to be. He was a huge fan. He wants us to go play, he wants us to play hard, so that’s what we’re going to try to do tonight.”
Regardless of the ultimate outcome, Nurse deserves credit for pushing through this postseason.
Knicks’ Karl-Antony Towns Sends Message to Nick Nurse Amid Series with 76ers