In the high-stakes world of NBA playoffs, every moment counts—but some things are bigger than basketball. Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse recently took a brief leave of absence from the team, and the reason strikes a deeply personal chord.

Following the 76ers' tough Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks, Nurse missed practice on Tuesday to attend the funeral of his older brother, Steve Nurse. Steve passed away unexpectedly at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy far beyond the court.

Steve Nurse was the athletic equipment manager at the University of Northern Iowa, where his dedication to sports was matched only by his generosity. According to his obituary, he was a man of many talents—highly skilled in repairing and stringing baseball and softball gloves, a craft he shared freely with others. In recent years, he found joy in creating rosaries, a meaningful practice that reflected his faith and kindness.

The loss resonated across the sports world. Before a recent game, Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown opened his media availability by sending heartfelt condolences to Nurse and his family. "Life is precious," Brown said. "You don't wish that upon anybody. I'd like to pass along my condolences to him and his family while they're going through these times."

For Nurse, the brief time away from the team was a necessary moment to honor his brother's life. As the playoffs continue, the 76ers' coach carries both the weight of the game and the memory of a brother who quietly made the world—and the world of sports—a little better.