We used to pick on the Marlins for having three-digit attendance figures but at least they had a decent product on the field even if they didn’t have the fan base to match. The New Jersey Nets are a different story. Currently 4-48, the Nets are threatening to break the ’72-’73 76ers record for the worst season in NBA history (9-73). The Nets are on pace to go 6-76 and they really don’t have any reason to hope for a turnaround considering their roster is devoid of talent and many players have been battling injuries. Even in this season full of lows, the Nets still managed to achieve a new low on Wednesday night.
According to the AP, only 1,016 fans passed through the turnstiles of the IZOD Center for the Nets/Bucks game, rivaling the attendance for a college basketball game in Puerto Rico. Those who did show up were rewarded with a game that was close for two and a half quarters before the Bucks pulled away. The Nets actually have an excuse for the light figures considering there was a foot of snow in the area but snow doesn’t have as much of an impact on fans as losing does. For instance, the Capitals almost packed the arena on Sunday when they played the Penguins despite the blizzard in D.C. That’s the difference between having a 13-game winning streak and a 7-game losing streak. Fans are motivated to see a winner while nobody has a desire to watch a loser play. Particularly a loser laying claim to “worst team of all-time.” Now that’s pathetic.
