The series might've been over. But the battle isn't as Ersan Ilyasova of the Philadelphia 76ers took a shot at the Miami Heat fans.
As reported by Ian Begley of ESPN, Ilyasova recalled their game at the American Airlines Arena, home to the Heat. He compared it to the TD Garden, home to the Boston Celtics, their next foes in the second round of the playoffs:
“When we were in Miami … the gym was half-empty,” Sixers reserve Ersan Ilyasova said after the team's practice. “But when you go to Boston, you will feel it. Even in the regular season, you know when you play that team, the arena is full, and they're really committed fans.”
Ilyasova added:
“It's always tough to play at their place,” Ilyasova said. “It's always crowded, and we have to come up with a lot of energy and edge to win the game.”
Perhaps Ilyasova is implying that a good reason why they wrapped up their first round match up against the Heat in just five games is the lack of support from their fans.
The Celtics, meanwhile, might pose a much more difficult challenge for the Sixers, given their loud crowd. More than just a battle of basketball skill and technique, it'll also be a game of the crowd.
Whether Ilyasova was talking smack about the Heat fans or not, it shows from his comments and the realities that the crowd plays a big part in the outcome of the game. Heat fans may not take his comments well. But maybe they need to look in the mirror first before coming to a conclusion.
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