The Spurs had an announced crowd of 19,507 for yesterday's
win over the Suns, up from 16,545 on Friday, the smallest playoff
crowd in Alamodome history. Spurs CEO Jack Diller said on Friday
he was "concerned" about the crowd, and many fans interviewed
thought interest in the team was down from last year. In San
Antonio, Tim Griffin writes the "lack of excitement is surprising
considering the regular season" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS, 4/27).
DOWN IN CLEVELAND: The lack of a playoff sellout for the
Cavaliers is analyzed by the Akron BEACON JOURNAL's Terry Pluto.
Pluto: "Did you every notice that every time an owner, general
manager or player makes a move fans don't like, it is a business
decision? But when fans make the same kind of judgement, they
are disloyal." Pluto notes the NBA is paying for catering to the
corporate crowd, as the price for that is a "comatose crowd" and
"empty seats." Pluto: "For years, pro sports have been telling
fans it's all about business. Well, now they're discovering the
fans are treating them the same way" (BEACON JOURNAL, 4/29).
WITHER THE CLIPPERS? In Boston, Peter May notes the NBA is
"quietly but doggedly continuing to pressure the Clippers to make
a commitment to play in Anaheim." An NBA source said the sides
are talking (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/28).