The Bulls still rank fourth in NBA attendance despite the low turnout against the GrizzliesGETTY IMAGES
The Bulls announced 15,017 fans in attendance for Wednesday's win over the Grizzlies, which was the "lowest in 15 years" at United Center, according to Mike McGraw of the Chicago DAILY HERALD. From '10-17, the Bulls "never had an announced crowd below 21,000" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 12/6). In Chicago, Rob Schaefer noted after 11 home games, the Bulls are "fourth in the NBA in total attendance (210,090) and sixth in average attendance." The team also is "tied for 22nd in the league in percent capacity (91.3)" with the Pacers. Schaefer wrote the rankings are "fine marks by the standards of most, but underwhelming for a major-market franchise with their illustrious history." The Bulls have "not finished a regular season outside the top three in total attendance or average attendance" since '02-03. The Bulls this season have a 4-7 home record. Wednesday's 106-99 win was only the team's 10th home victory under Bulls coach Jim Boylen, who started that position last December. Schaefer: "No one is naive to the impact those types of results can have." Bulls G Zach LaVine said, "We haven't been a winning basketball team the last couple years, so you know, it makes sense. Once you start winning that crowd gets back into it and gets more lively. I understand that, I understand professional sports. So we don't take it personally" (NBCSPORTSCHICAGO.com, 12/5).
