Nurse says he must keep mask on during games

The image of Nick Nurse tugging his mask down to his chin to yell directions at a player, or to argue a call, has drawn the ire of COVID-19 conscientious Toronto Raptors fans.

A day after the NBA announced stricter protocols, with rising cases of the global pandemic among players leading to game postponements, the Raptors coach admitted he has to do a better job.

“Sometimes I’m in the huddle or on the floor, and I’m doing all kinds of things to try to keep my mask on but let guys hear me, and after the third time, (players say) ‘Coach, I can’t hear what you’re saying,’: Nurse said Wednesday.

“Every now and then you’ve got to try to pull it down quick. . . but I’ve got to try to limit that the best I can. And sometimes in the heat of battle, it’s difficult.

“But we’ve got to do a little better job, I’ve got to do a better job, and we’ll try to do as best I can.”

Coaches have been instructed to wear masks at all times, but during the Raptors’ first 10 games, Nurse often has been seen on television with his mask pulled down under his nose and mouth.

A handful of NBA games, including three on Wednesday alone, have been called off as more teams deal with virusrelated issues. The rising cases prompted the NBA and the players association to enact new rules for at least the next two weeks that include limiting player interactions in games to elbow or fist bumps. Players and coaches must wear masks while on the bench.