Philadelphia 76ers top Toronto Raptors in Nick Nurse’s return

Nick Nurse had a strange experience during Saturday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors.

Nurse, who led the Raptors to an NBA championship, was facing his former team as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. After being released on April 21, Nurse became the most sought-after coaching candidate of the summer.

The Sixers emerged victorious with a 114-107 win, improving their record to 1-1 for the season. This marked their fourth consecutive win over Toronto. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid both scored 34 points. Maxey’s impressive performance earned him consecutive 30-point games.

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Nurse acknowledged the weirdness of the situation, stating, “It definitely was [weird]. No doubt about it. Just weird in general being here the last couple of days in the city. But I don’t need to tell everybody in here how great the city is. It was fun to walk about a little bit and catch the vibe again.”

Maxey and Embiid played pivotal roles in the Sixers’ victory. Maxey made impressive shots, including seven three-pointers, and also contributed with assists and rebounds. In the first two games, Maxey has scored 65 points, provided 15 assists, and committed only one turnover. Embiid rebounded from his difficult performance against the Milwaukee Bucks with a 34-point game, along with nine rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks.

Scottie Barnes scored 24 points for the Raptors.

Maxey revealed that before the game, Kelly Oubre Jr. urged the team to win for Nurse, which added to the irony of facing Toronto in the second game of the season without a victory yet. Maxey expressed his confidence in Nurse’s future success, saying, “Many more to come, though. Many more.”

After the game, the Sixers celebrated with Nurse in the locker room. He received a warm welcome from the crowd during pregame introductions and a standing ovation from the Raptors after a video tribute during the first timeout. Nurse was also given gifts from his former organization in the visiting coaches’ locker room.

Nurse holds a special place in the hearts of Toronto fans for leading the team to the 2019 NBA title and three postseason appearances. He was recognized as the 2019-20 NBA Coach of the Year. Danny Green, who was a member of the Raptors’ championship team, emphasized Nurse’s significance, stating, “He won a championship here — the first time they ever experienced it. So for him to bring a championship to the city, they’re always going to remember that. It was that special.”

However, both Nurse and the Raptors agreed it was time for a change when he was let go on April 21.

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Nurse spoke about the uncertainty and turmoil in Toronto last season before the Sixers game on March 31. In addition to his role as the Raptors coach, Nurse also served as the head coach of the Canadian national team and founded the Nick Nurse Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of youth through music, sports, and literacy.

Nurse spent his first five seasons in Toronto as an assistant coach before becoming the head coach in 2018. He has an overall record of 227-163.

Former Sixer reveals why he left

Jalen McDaniels discussed his time with the Sixers prior to Saturday night’s game.

He expressed that playing with superstars like Embiid and Harden made for a fun experience. McDaniels learned a lot from his former Sixers teammates, which differed from his time with the Charlotte Hornets.

However, McDaniels’ decision to sign with the Raptors on a two-year, $9.3-million deal was based on business. He revealed that the Sixers offered him a minimum-type contract, which he declined.

The Sixers acquired McDaniels from the Hornets in a three-team trade and expressed interest in re-signing him in free agency. McDaniels expected to return to the Sixers but felt that the Raptors’ offer was a better opportunity.

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Overall, Nurse’s impact in Toronto is undeniable, and his time with the Raptors will always be cherished by the fans.