Raptors' Nurse slams report about his staff not following health protocols

Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse took issue Wednesday with a report that stated inconsistent mask wearing led to the situation where six members of the coaching staff - including Nurse - were placed in health and safety protocols away from the team.

"I don't think anybody would have any idea what they're talking about, saying that," Nurse told reporters. "That is really an unfair, very speculative thing to say unless you have video evidence of it."

Nurse and the five assistants were quarantined prior to Toronto's Feb. 26 game against the Houston Rockets. The Athletic's Shams Charania later reported that the situation arose from "inconsistent mask wearing."

"I think our coaching staff has worked their asses off and abided by the rules as best as possible," Nurse said Wednesday.

Nurse will return to lead the Raptors' bench Thursday against the Atlanta Hawks. It's not yet clear if the remainder of the affected assistant coaches will be available. Toronto still has five players - including Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby - listed as out due to health and safety protocols.

"We've come into an unfortunate run," Nurse said. "It was certainly not for not trying to adhere to the protocols as best as possible."