New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown was prepared on Friday for Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks improved their 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 108-94 victory, effectively implementing their game plan. After the contest, Brown had a heartfelt message to the 76ers’ head coach, Nick Nurse.
It was reported on Wednesday that Nurse had to step away from the team to attend the funeral of his older brother, Steve Nurse. The 76ers head coach traveled to Ankeny, Iowa, on Tuesday, following the 137-98 Game 1 loss in New York.
With the difficult time that Nurse and his family are going through during the NBA playoffs, Brown took a moment to send his condolences.
“Before I get into the game, I’d like to give my condolences again to Nick Nurse and his family,” Brown said. “That’s tough. That’s bigger than what we’re doing right now. I truly feel for him and the rest of his family.
“What he’s trying to do, getting his team ready to play basketball games while dealing with that. I don’t know how anybody does that. It’s tough. Again, passing my condolences along to him and his family.”
Mike Brown starts his postgame press conference by offering his condolences to Nick Nurse and his family on the loss of his brother, Stephen pic.twitter.com/WI61cRIFLB
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 9, 2026
According to ESPN, Nurse’s brother “unexpectedly at age 62” last week. However, the head coach stayed with the 76ers and led the team to complete a 3-1 comeback against the Boston Celtics and advance to the second round of the postseason.
This isn’t the first time that Brown offered words for Nurse. Ahead of Game 1 of the series, the Knicks coach offered an emotional message. It was acknowledged by the 76ers coach ahead of Game 2.
“It means a lot to my family. I appreciate Coach [Mike] Brown and what he said yesterday at his press conference. I’m here coaching, my brother would expect me to be,” Nurse said.
Knicks Fan Booed By Crowd in Game 3 During Special Moment for Nick Nurse’s Brother
© Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The 76ers decided to honor Nurse’s late brother ahead of Game 3 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. It was supposed to be a moment of silence in the arena. However, it was ruined by a Knicks fan, who reportedly yelled: “Let’s go, Knicks!”
The home crowd did not appreciate what the fan did and immediately turned on him. The fans allegedly booed the fan who cheered during the moment, which was intended to be heartfelt. PHILY Sports’ Kyle Neubeck posted on X about what the fan did ahead of the contest.
A Knicks fan decided to interrupt a moment of silence for Nick Nurse’s brother before the game tonight
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) May 8, 2026
Although the game was in Philly, there were a handful of Knicks fans who attended the game.
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