Nick Nurse Shares Candid Thoughts on Sixers’ Playoff Exit
The Philadelphia 76ers have officially been eliminated from the NBA Playoffs.
Heading into Saturday’s home game, the Sixers knew they faced the possibility of an official playoff exit in the 2025 season. A loss to the Miami Heat would’ve marked their 51st defeat, effectively ending their playoff hopes.
Given how the season had been unfolding since January, it was clear that the Sixers’ chances of making the playoffs were dwindling fast. Even with a win on Saturday, it felt as if they were merely postponing the inevitable.
Nick Nurse addresses the season now that the Sixers are officially eliminated from the playoffs.
"It's not anywhere near where we had hoped it would be."
"It just didn't seem like the injury bug would ever leave us. It just seemed like every time we'd have a good game it would… pic.twitter.com/5OET0LqRz5
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) March 30, 2025
However, the Heat secured a dominant 118-95 victory, and in fewer than 10 games, the Sixers’ season would be over—shocking, especially considering their high expectations heading into the year.
“Obviously, this isn’t anywhere near where we had hoped to be when we started this summer and fall,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse told reporters. “That’s for sure. All you can say is it was a really tough season, right?”
After an offseason full of optimism, with major moves in free agency, the Sixers were unable to meet expectations. Injuries to key players like Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey early in the season hindered the team’s ability to establish any rhythm.
“Throughout the season, there were only a couple of times where we had some momentum,” Nurse added. “In December, and then we had another four or five-game win streak. You always hoped the team would get better, get some wins, and have players return. But the injury bug just never went away. Every time we had a good game, won a game, we’d lose a player or two for the next one. We just could never really build any momentum.”
For much of the season, the Sixers hovered on the edge of the NBA Play-In Tournament, spending the final two months fighting for the 10th seed with the Chicago Bulls. Eventually, it became clear that the focus should shift to improving their chances of securing a top-six pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. Even if the Sixers were to land a high pick, it wouldn’t change Nurse’s feelings after Saturday night’s defeat.
“Super, super disappointing,” the head coach concluded. “Not where we want to be at all. That’s about it.”
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