Suns owner apologizes to Phoenix fans for Spurs keeping players home
Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver apologized to fans in attendance during the Suns preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday for the Spurs leaving a majority of their stars at home.
San Antonio went with a starting lineup of Tony Parker, Matt Bonner, Aron Baynes, Danny Green, Kyle Anderson for the game in at US Airways Arena in Phoenix, which the Suns won 121-90. Guard Goran Dragic led all scorers with 20 points, as the Suns had seven players score in double figures.
Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard (eye infection), Manu Ginobili, Tiago Splitter (calf strain), Patty Mills (torn rotator cuff) and head coach Gregg Popovich did not make the trip to Phoenix.
Sarver went to the scorer’s table with 2:31 left in the game and took the mic to address the fans.
“Hey, everybody, I want to thank you for coming out tonight,” Sarver said, according to the Arizona Republic. “This is not the game you paid your hard-earned money to watch. I apologize for it. And I want you to send me your tickets if you came tonight with a return envelope and I’ve got a gift for you on behalf of the Suns for showing up tonight. Thank you.”
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Sarver said that those in attendance, which was listed at 13,552, could mail in their proof of attendance and receive a gift certificate for tickets, merchandise or food. He said that he heard from fans who were upset that the Spurs left players at home.
“I just felt that the fans paid good money for the game and they didn’t see the players that they anticipated seeing,” Sarver said. “It was just a gesture to let them know that we appreciate their support and want to do something to compensate for that.”
San Antonio and Phoenix meet four times during the regular season, with the first matchup coming Oct. 31 in Phoenix.
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