LOS ANGELES (AP) — Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse has rejoined his team in Los Angeles after the death of his 94-year-old mother.
Nurse says his mother, Marcella Nurse, died Monday in Carroll.
He coached Tuesday night against the Clippers and will be at tonight’s (Wednesday) at Golden State before returning to Iowa.
“I’m here because my mother wouldn’t want it any other way,” Nurse said before last night’s game.
In June, Nurse was promoted from assistant to head coach of the Raptors after Dwane Casey was fired. He has led the team to a record of 21-7, best in the NBA.
Marcella Nurse lived in Carroll for more than 60 years. She endured a suspenseful wait in June before Nurse was elevated to head coach of the Raptors.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice. He died in July 2015 at age 89.
