Has Adam Silver killed attendance?
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has been a blessing for the evolution of the NBA as a business model and as an entertainment medium.
Fans can access games through nearly every media device available – TVs, laptops, desktops, mobile devices, virtual reality, and beyond. But what has that done to actual attendance at games?
Too often, we can pull up a game on one of these many of our devices and see empty seats in many of these cities, even the largest of markets. New York, Chicago, and even though L.A. is going through a boon of success right now, last year was like Chicago and New York.
Even Orlando, who used to have one of the most humble arenas in the NBA when it was the TD Waterhouse. In 2010, the Rich DeVos family shelled out $480 million of laundry detergent revenues to build the Amway Center and has since rolled out an average or subpar product on the floor and in the front office since. (God, I miss Pat Williams).
Let’s look at last night’s games:
| Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse Cleveland, Ohio | Holds 20,562 | Attendance last night 17,122 |
| Bankers Life Fieldhouse Indianapolis, Indiana | Holds 20,000 | Attendance last night 15,637 |
| Amway Center Orlando, Florida | Holds 20,000 | Attendance last night 18,846 |
| ScotiaBank Arena Toronto, Ontario | Holds 19,800 | Attendance last night 20,144 |
| Barclays Center Brooklyn, New York | Holds 19,000 | Attendance last night 15,631 |
| United Center Chicago, Illinois | Holds 23,500 | Attendance last night 15,084 |
| Target Center Minneapolis, Minnesota | Holds 19,356 | Attendance last night 12,369 |
| Talking Stick Resort Arena Phoenix, Arizona | Holds 18,422 | Attendance last night 12,254 |
| Fiserv Forum Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Holds 17,500 | Attendance last night 17,385 |
| Golden 1 Center Sacramento, California | Holds 17,608 | Attendance last night 16,723 |
| Chase Center San Francisco, California | Holds 18,064 | Attendance last night 18,064 |
That’s right – the game between the NBA’s two worst teams drew the third largest crowd last night. Sacramento nearly drew a full house and their opponent was a team that has the same record.
Now we all know that final attendance numbers are somewhat inflated; not all games are sellouts no matter what numbers reflect, but they were last night in San Francisco to the last seat, and we know everyone in Toronto wasn’t going to miss out on Kawhi Leonard’s first return to the city and arena since the team won their championship last June.
But these are fans (Toronto) who also stand packed outside the arena in what’s affectionately known as Jurassic Park.
Not all fans are as rabid, however, especially when they can get all the action from the comfort of their home, on a plane on their mobile device, cheaper snacks, dressed down, and no need for a designated driver after Nemanja Bjelica buries their team(s).
Tomorrow and Friday, I’ll look at ticket prices, concessions, and the need to cover the salaries of some very middle of the road players.
Houston Rockets 116
Cleveland Cavaliers 110
The fourth quarter lead seemed promising for the Cleveland Cavaliers. After three and a half minutes into the fourth, Cleveland had a comfortable lead that vanished as quickly as I rubbed my eyes in seeing it. James Harden then exploded for 20 points in the fourth quarter alone, saving the Houston Rockets from what would have been an embarrassing defeat.
| ROCKETS (16-8) | CAVALIERS (5-19) |
| James Harden 55 points – three rebounds – eight assists – two steals – two blocks | Kevin Porter, Jr. 23 points – two rebounds – three assists – three steals |
| Russell Westbrook 23 points – seven rebounds – six assists – four steals | Collin Sexton 18 points – one rebound – three assists – one steal |
| Clint Capela 10 points – 13 rebounds – one assist – one steal – three blocks | Kevin Love 17 points – 11 rebounds – two assists – one steal – one block |
NEXT UP
Cavaliers at Spurs – Tonight
Rockets at Magic – Friday
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Boston Celtics 117
Indiana Pacers 122
It was happy Holidays for brothers Aaron and Justin last night, as they paired up with Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis (15 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists) to upset the visiting Boston Celtics. The second quarter proved to be the pivotal period with a six point advantage for the Pacers. Boston outscored the Pacers by 14 in the third to seemingly run away with the win, but Indiana raced right back in the fourth, outscoring the Celtics by 15 to take the checkered flag.
| CELTICS (17-6) | PACERS (16-9) |
| Kemba Walker 44 points – three rebounds – seven assists – two steals | Malcolm Brogdon 29 points – two rebounds – eight assists – two steals |
| Jaylen Brown 18 points – eight rebounds – eight assists – one steal (fouled out) | Aaron Holiday 18 points – three rebounds – one assist – two steals |
| Jayson Tatum 16 points – six rebounds – three assists – two steals | Justin Holiday 17 points – six rebounds – three steals |
NEXT UP
Sixers at Celtics – Tonight
Pacers at Hawks – Friday
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Los Angeles Lakers 96
Orlando Magic 87
The Los Angeles Lakers turned to LeBron James to do what it took to get by the Magic in Orlando last night. James turned in another triple double performance as Anthony Davis decompressed from his 50 point night. Jonathan Isaac, the NBA’s leader in blocked shots this season, was limited to one against the Lakers.
| LAKERS (22-3) | MAGIC (11-13) |
| LeBron James 25 points – 11 rebounds – 10 assists – two steals | Jonathan Isaac 19 points – eight rebounds – one steal – one block |
| Anthony Davis 16 points – 12 rebounds – six assists – two steals – two blocks | Evan Fournier 18 points – two rebounds – five assists |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 15 points – two steals | Aaron Gordon 14 points – 14 rebounds – four assists – one steal – one block |
NEXT UP
Lakers at Heat – Friday
Rockets at Magic – Friday
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Los Angeles Clippers 112
Toronto Raptors 92
One minute, Kawhi Leonard was hugging his former teammates, coaches, general manager and ownership team and receiving his championship ring, getting the applause and love from the 20,144 in attendance at Scotiabank Arena. Shortly after that, he was showing the Raptors the kind of play that helped him and Toronto celebrate the city’s first championship last June. Pascal Siakam actually bested Leonard’s effort, but the Raptors are certainly missing the energy of Fred VanVleet. Paul George shot 21.4 percent for 13 points.
| CLIPPERS (19-7) | RAPTORS (16-8) |
| Kawhi Leonard 23 points – five rebounds – six assists – two steals | Pascal Siakam 24 points – four rebounds – three assists – one steal – three blocks |
| Lou Williams 18 points – six rebounds – eight assists – one steal | Norman Powell 22 points – three rebounds – one assist – one steal |
| Moe Harkless 14 points – seven rebounds – one assist – one steal | O.G. Anunoby 13 points – seven rebounds – one steal – two blocks |
NEXT UP
Clippers at Timberwolves – Thursday
Nets at Raptors – Saturday
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Charlotte Hornets 113
Brooklyn Nets 108
Attendance is flagging at the Barclays Center, with only 15,631 showing for the game versus the Charlotte Hornets last night. Of course, it’s understandable since neither Kevin Durant nor Kyrie Irving is playing. And the team is just barely two games above the .500 mark. Irving has now missed 13 straight games while Caris LeVert has been out 15. What they are missing is how Spencer Dinwiddie has become a star on his own as has Charlotte’s Devonte’ Graham, as he led the Hornets to a win last night. A 60-44 second half swarm gave Charlotte the win.
| HORNETS (11-16) | NETS (13-11) |
| Devonte’ Graham 40 points – five rebounds – five assists | Spencer Dinwiddie 24 points – five rebounds – six assists – one steal |
| Miles Bridges 14 points – four rebounds – two assists – one steal – one block | Jarrett Allen 21 points – 10 rebounds – two assists – one steal |
| Terry Rozier 13 points – seven rebounds – four assists | Theo Pinson 12 points – three rebounds – two assists – one block |
NEXT UP
Hornets at Bulls – Friday
Nets at Raptors – Saturday
********************
Atlanta Hawks 102
Chicago Bulls 136
Zach LaVine helped the Chicago Bulls end a three game losing streak last night at home by scoring seven of seven from downtown and leading the Bulls to a 34 point win over the visiting Atlanta Hawks. Already having the prognosis that Otto Porter, Jr. would be out at least another four weeks, LaVine put the team on his back and carried them to the comfortable win. Chicago outscored Atlanta 70-50 in the second half, held the Hawks to the teens in the second and fourth quarters, and held Trae Young to 28.6 percent shooting and 15 points.
| HAWKS (6-19) | BULLS (9-17) |
| Alex Len 17 points – five rebounds – three assists | Zach LaVine 35 points – four rebounds – two assists – one steal – one block |
| Cam Reddish 16 points – six rebounds – one assist – one block | Lauri Markkanen 22 points – four rebounds – two assists – one block |
| Trae Young 15 points – two rebounds – 13 assists – two steals | Coby White 19 points – two rebounds – four assists – one steal – one block |
NEXT UP
Pacers at Hawks – Friday
Hornets at Bulls – Friday
********************
Utah Jazz 127
Minnesota Timberwolves 116
The Utah Jazz put together a 68-47 second half to pull away from the Minnesota Timberwolves, whose November put forth the perception that this team was a serious contender. However, as mirages will do, those of the Timberwolves have faded into a reality as harsh as the northern temps. The Timberwolves need another piece – DeMar DeRozan? – to compete in the Western Conference, where they’re sitting at 10th as of today.
| JAZZ (14-11) | TIMBERWOLVES (10-14) |
| Donovan Mitchell 30 points – five rebounds – six assists – one steal | Jeff Teague 32 points – four rebounds – six assists – one steal – one block |
| Joe Ingles 23 points – five rebounds – five assists – one steal | Andrew Wiggins 26 points – six rebounds – three assists – three steals |
| Rudy Gobert 20 points – 16 rebounds – three assists – two steals – two blocks | Karl-Anthony Towns 21 points – 11 rebounds – three assists – one steal |
NEXT UP
Warriors at Jazz – Friday
Clippers at Timberwolves – Friday
********************
Memphis Grizzlies 115
Phoenix Suns 108
Just takes a little heat in the desert to wake a hibernating Grizzly and that was all Dillon Brooks and the Memphis Grizzlies bigs needed to get to .333 on the season last night in Phoenix. The Grizzlies shot 48 percent on the Suns’ floor while holding Phoenix to a cold 39 percent night. Brandon Clarke shot 83.3 percent, while Brooks and Jaren Jackson, Jr. both hit for 55.6 percent. Memphis also outrebounded Phoenix, 55-44.
| GRIZZLIES (8-16) | SUNS (11-13) |
| Dillon Brooks 27 points – three rebounds – one assist – two steals | Frank Kaminsky 24 points – five rebounds – three assists – one steal |
| Jaren Jackson, Jr. 24 points – six rebounds – four assists – one block | Ricky Rubio 22 points – one rebound – eight assists – one steal |
| Brandon Clarke 15 points – seven rebounds – two blocks | Devin Booker 15 points – four rebounds – 10 assists – one steal |
NEXT UP
Bucks at Grizzlies – Friday
Spurs at Suns – Saturday
********************
New Orleans Pelicans 112
Milwaukee Bucks 127
With the New Orleans Pelicans in town, Giannis Antetokuonmpo left the onus of getting the Milwaukee Bucks’ 16th consecutive win in the hands of his able teammates. Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton took the lead in Antetokuonmpo’s absence, with Ersan Ilyasova taking care of the paint. The win overshadowed a nice night by J.J. Redick and Jrue Holiday who both had a 72.7 percent shooting night. It’s the second longest win streak in Milwaukee’s franchise history. The Bucks won 20 straight back in the 1970-71 season. They also won the NBA Championship that season. Good omen?
| PELICANS (6-19) | BUCKS (22-3) |
| J.J. Redick 31 points – one rebound – two assists | Eric Bledsoe 29 points – three rebounds – six assists – two steals |
| Brandon Ingram 25 points – 10 rebounds – one assist | Khris Middleton 24 points – five rebounds – four assists – two steals |
| Jrue Holiday 21 points – six rebounds – six assists – two blocks | Ersan Ilyasova 18 points – nine rebounds – three assists – one steal |
NEXT UP
Pelicans at Sixers – Friday
Bucks at Grizzlies – Friday
********************
Oklahoma City Thunder 93
Sacramento Kings 94
It wasn’t a stellar performance nor a non-contestable dagger from Nemanja Bjelica this time, but the Sacramento Kings carved out another big win with some last minute heroics from Bogdan Bogdanovic this time, who hit the game winner with 13.4 seconds remaining. The opponent wasn’t the Dallas Mavericks or Houston Rockets, but the win was just as big. Going into the night, Oklahoma City had the seventh position in the Western Conference and Sacramento was on the outside looking in; now we have a logjam of teams at 11-13 and the Kings have taken OKC’s place, followed by Phoenix at eight and the Thunder now on the outside looking in.
| THUNDER (11-13) | KINGS (11-13) |
| Dennis Schroder 17 points – two rebounds – two steals – one block | Buddy Hield 23 points – six rebounds – six assists – two steals |
| Abdel Nader 15 points – four rebounds – one steal | Bogdan Bogdanovic 17 points – three rebounds – one steal |
| Danilo Gallinari 14 points – eight rebounds – three assists – one steal | Marvin Bagley III 11 points – six rebounds – one block |
NEXT UP
Knicks at Kings – Friday
Thunder at Nuggets – Saturday
********************
New York Knicks 124
Golden State Warriors 122 (OT)
Who would have thought that the bargain basement special of the NBA would be the most competitive game of the night? This game should have been as ugly and disgusting as San Francisco’s financial district has become, yet it was one of the night’s best. Interim coach Mike Miller gets his first win and is .333 as the Knicks coach in what may be the best part of the Knicks season thus far. Certainly, beating Dallas (and Kristaps Porzingis) twice may be the highlight of New York’s tumultuous year, but they actually resembled a competitive team last night. They shot 47 percent on the road, outrebounded the wounded Warriors, 58-46, and overcame 18 turnovers to nail down the win.
| KNICKS (5-20) | WARRIORS (5-21) |
| Marcus Morris 36 points – 10 rebounds – three assists – three steals | D’Angelo Russell 32 points – three rebounds – six assists – two steals |
| Julius Randle 24 points – 13 rebounds – five assists | Alec Burks 18 points – five rebounds – two assists – two steals |
| R.J. Barrett 22 points – 10 rebounds – three assists – one steal – one block | Glenn Robinson III 17 points – four rebounds – two assists – one steal |
NEXT UP
Knicks at Kings – Friday
Warriors at Jazz – Friday
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THURSDAY’S GAMES / MY PICK ‘EMS
Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics – 8 p.m. EST – TNT
Cleveland Cavaliers at San Antonio Spurs – 8:30 p.m. EST – Fox Sports Southwest
Dallas Mavericks at Detroit Pistons (in Mexico City) – 9 p.m. EST – Fox Sports Detroit
Portland Trailblazers at Denver Nuggets – 10:30 p.m. EST – TNT
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The Rundown w/T-Money is a daily column “all things NBA” that will run through the entirety of the season, and the playoffs through the NBA Finals
Tracy Graven is a Senior Analyst for BackSportsPage.com.
He has written the NBA for the last two decades and is also tackling the NFL, NCAA, and pinch-hitting on some Major League Baseball coverage for BackSportsPage.
He’s spent 20 years in locker rooms in Orlando, Boise (G League), San Antonio, Phoenix, and Oklahoma City.
He currently lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with his wife and five children.
Reach him on Twitter at @RealTMoneyMedia
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