Despite the high stakes of the game and the Heat’s recent track record of postseason success, numerous seats remained unoccupied as the matchup tipped off, casting a shadow over the atmosphere of the arena throughout much of the first half.
Expressing their disappointment with the lackluster turnout, ESPN analysts Kendrick Perkins and Michael Wilbon didn’t mince words when addressing the issue during halftime commentary.
“I’m just a little disappointed in the fan base of the Miami Heat,” remarked Perkins as the Heat held a lead of 47-37. “It’s too many open seats in there.”
"I'm just a little disappointed in the fanbase of the Miami Heat. Too many open seats."
"That's not a great fanbase at all. It hasn't been. They're frontrunners. They're frontrunners."
Kendrick Perkins and Michael Wilbon calling out the Miami fans. pic.twitter.com/Pj5BMQypvK
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 20, 2024
Wilbon echoed Perkins’s sentiments, criticizing the fan base for their absence and labeling them as “frontrunners.”
Their commentary was not unnoticed, with ESPN play-by-play broadcaster Ryan Ruocco also acknowledging the sparse attendance during the second quarter, highlighting the delayed arrival of spectators to fill the seats.
The underwhelming turnout didn’t go unnoticed by basketball enthusiasts either, as social media platforms buzzed with commentary about the notable absence of fans during such a pivotal matchup.
With the Heat securing the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and set to face the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the playoffs, the team will undoubtedly hope for a more robust showing from their fan base as they embark on their postseason journey.
