Four years ago, in his first year as coach, Nick Nurse won the NBA championship title with the Raptors. The following season, and despite the departure of Kawhi Leonard, he kept the Canadian franchise among the best teams in the East, and won the Coach Of The Year trophy. But that night, in Toronto, ik was sitting on the Sixers bench, for a quicker-than-expected reunion with his former players and his former audience.
“It’s definitely weird… There’s no doubt about it.” he recognized. “It’s just weird being around the city for two days, and I don’t need to remind you how great this city is. It was nice to hang out and get that vibe back. »
Welcomed by a “standing ovation” then a tribute clip, Nick Nurse was also entitled to small gifts from his former managers. Cordial and sincere atmosphere, and Danny Green, who knew him at the Raptors, is well placed to discuss Nick Nurse’s place in the history of the franchise.
“He’s coached in a lot of different places, but that’s his brand, his foundation.”explains the three-time NBA champion. “This is where he kind of settled down and won a title. And it was a first here. They will always remember that he brought a title to this city. It was so unique that there will always be affection from those who experienced it. »
“Let’s go win for the coach!” »
Now at the head of the Sixers, he must best manage the discovery of a new group and a new environment, but also the Harden soap opera. For the moment, things are not going too bad, and his players were determined to give him this first victory, especially in Toronto.
“Before the match, Kelly Oubre told us: Let’s go win for the coach! » says Tyrese Maxey. “The irony of the story is that we played them in the second match, and we hadn’t won yet. It’s good for him, but we’re going to gain a lot more. Much more… “
In the end, what does Nick Nurse remember from this evening? “I would say I didn’t expect to come back here so quickly, and it’s even stranger than I imagined! »
