In a rare moment of candor during ESPN’s live broadcast, former NBA center Kendrick Perkins criticized Miami Heat fans for their poor turnout at Friday’s pivotal play-in game against the Chicago Bulls. The game, crucial for the Heat’s postseason hopes, saw too many empty seats at the Kaseya Center-a sight that did not sit well with Perkins.
“It’s a close game, it’s win or go home,” Perkins remarked, clearly frustrated by the lack of fan presence. “I’m just a little disappointed in the fanbase of the Miami Heat. There are too many open seats.”
Echoing Perkins’ sentiment, fellow ESPN commentator Mike Wilbon labeled the Heat fans as “frontrunners,” questioning their loyalty and support during critical moments. “That’s not a great fanbase at all. It hasn’t been. They’re frontrunners. They’re frontrunners,” Wilbon added.
Miami Heat triumph despite Butler’s absence
Despite the absence of star player Jimmy Butler, who suffered a knee injury earlier in the week, the Heat managed a commanding 112-91 victory over the Bulls. Butler, sidelined after an incident involving Kelly Oubre Jr. of the Philadelphia 76ers, had played through pain and contributed significantly in previous games but was ruled out after an MRI revealed an MCL injury.
Stepping up in Butler’s absence, Tyler Herro nearly secured a triple-double, amassing 24 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists in 33 minutes. Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. also made a notable impact, scoring 21 points along with six rebounds and six assists. Veteran Kevin Love contributed 16 points and seven rebounds off the bench, helping to secure the win.
The Bulls, despite efforts from their key players like DeMar DeRozan who scored 22 points, could not match the Heat’s intensity. Starters Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu, along with bench player Javonte Green, put up respectable numbers, but it wasn’t enough.
With this win, Miami clinched the final playoff seed in the Eastern Conference and is set to face the No. 1 seeded Boston Celtics in the first round. Last season, the Heat made an impressive run from the play-in games to the NBA Finals, and fans hope for a repeat performance this year-hopefully, with more robust support in the stands.
