The Heat "have yet to sell out" any of their 11 games at 19,600-seat AmericanAirlines Arena, according to Israel Gutierrez of the PALM BEACH POST, who noted that the "highest total" this season was 16,500 for opening night against the Magic. Heat coach Pat Riley, on how C Alonzo Mourning's absence for the season with a kidney ailment has affected attendance: "When Zo went down, I think a lot of the fans sort of maybe lost a sense of hope" (PALM BEACH POST, 12/9). Riley, on the attendance: "I'm disappointed. I think they will show up -- as it usually is down here -- after football season. The ones that do come get their money's worth, a very competitive effort. I know that doesn't sell. They want to win, and with the price people are charged now for tickets throughout the league, you have to give them the very best" (MIAMI HERALD, 12/9). UP AND DOWN: In Toronto, Robert MacLeod wrote that Raptors F Vince Carter's "value to the box-office" is not "lost on the club." The Raptors are reporting an NBA-high attendance increase of 2.3% through December 5 (GLOBE & MAIL, 12/9). ...In UT, Rich Evans wrote that the 16-4 Jazz "are playing some pretty entertaining basketball this season. Too bad fans haven't noticed" (DESERET NEWS, 12/10)....In Chicago, Lacy Banks noted that the Magic are averaging 13,487 fans at TD Waterhouse Centre, ranking 25th out of 29 teams. Suns President Bryan Colangelo: "One of the most discouraging things this season is what is happening in Orlando. They go out and sign two highly rated, highly talented players [Fs Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady], create a lot of high expectations and excitement and their attendance is somewhat below what they anticipated" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 12/10). FIELD MARSHAL: Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban, who "has angered" NBA officials this season, hired former official Woody Mayfield as a consultant (AP, 12/9).
