2024-25 NBA Schedule Release Meme & Heat Shade Suns Over Empty Seats Photo | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 29: General view before the start of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center on April 29, 2024 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: The user expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading or using this photograph, the user agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Megan Briggs/Getty Images

The Miami Heat responded to the Phoenix Suns after the team criticized Miami’s fan attendance during the schedule release on Thursday.

The Suns’ schedule announcement on X included jokes about opponents like the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers. As for the Heat, Phoenix appealed to the crowd at the team’s home games.

Phoenix Suns @Suns

pic.twitter.com/JTYyZsLJkB

The Heat responded in their own post on X, showing the average home attendance for each NBA team in 2024. Miami ranked No. 4, while Phoenix ranked No. 25.

Miami Heat @Miami Heat

Interesting. Sign up when you reach #24, @Suns 😉 https://t.co/7nKV3L9GaO pic.twitter.com/kXH7INa2zn

The Suns didn’t have much to say about Miami’s rebuttal.

Phoenix Suns @Suns

Oh 😅

While Heat fans have proven they can fill the Kaseya Center on a nightly basis, attendance during the first quarter of many home games is often sparse. In fact, Jimmy Butler raised the issue in a June 27 video with Complex.

“The worst thing for me is our fans never show up on time,” Butler said. “They never show up on time. I was like, ‘Damn. I want everything to be at its best from the jump ball.’ Fans, come on out, we need you all.”

Complex @Complex

Dear Miami Heat fans: @JimmyButler He says everyone should be more punctual 😂 pic.twitter.com/X3eq3p5nBW

Butler and Bam Adebayo have helped Miami to a consistent run of success as the team is currently in the midst of a five-year playoff run. This includes multiple trips to the NBA Finals, the most recent being against the Denver Nuggets in 2023.

While the Heat were unable to make any major off-season moves despite reported interest in DeMar DeRozan and Lauri Markkanen, will still enter the 2024-25 season as a postseason threat in the Eastern Conference.

Miami will rely on inside contributions, with Nikola Jović and Jaime Jaquez Jr. expected to play larger roles next season. The Heat also added veteran Alec Burks in free agency, who shot 37.6 percent from beyond the arc in 66 games with the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks last year.

While Miami fans may arrive late to some games, the team’s overall home attendance still represents one of the highest averages in the association.

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