The 2024-25 NBA regular season schedule was released on Thursday, and teams are already stirring up some playful rivalry.
The Phoenix Suns added some spice to the release by posting a video featuring visuals related to their opponents and then took it further by creating an X thread highlighting the teams they’ll face and their fan bases.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) August 15, 2024
For the Miami Heat, Phoenix used images referencing Miami’s nightlife, including a nightclub, producer and Heat fan DJ Khaled, and empty bleachers. This was a nod to Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren’s comment about enjoying playing against the Heat on the road because the stands were often empty until the fourth quarter.
Despite the jab, it’s worth noting that the Heat ranked fourth in attendance during the 2023-24 season, with an average of 19,749 fans at home games, while the Suns ranked 25th, averaging 17,071 spectators.
Interesting. Check in when you climb into that 24th spot, @Suns 😉 https://t.co/7nKV3L9GaO pic.twitter.com/kXH7INa2zn
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) August 15, 2024
Miami responded by pulling out the receipts and clapping back at the Suns.
The Heat will start their season against the Orlando Magic on October 23, while the Suns will face the LA Clippers that same day at the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Miami and Phoenix won’t meet on the court until November 6 at the Footprint Center.