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NBA Postpones Heat–Bulls in Chicago After Nearly Two-Hour Delay Over Slippery Court

Moisture from unseasonably humid conditions over the arena ice left the floor unsafe.

Overview

  • Officials halted the game at the United Center after roughly 1 hour and 46 minutes, announcing the postponement at about 8:53 p.m. local time.
  • Arena crews repeatedly used mops, towels and increased air conditioning and blowers, but players and coaches said the surface remained slick and unplayable.
  • Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said players on both teams complained immediately about traction, and crew chief Sean Wright consulted the Replay Center before the decision.
  • The Bulls said tickets will be honored for the makeup date, which is still to be determined given the Blackhawks’ home game Friday and Miami’s weekend road back-to-back.
  • Such court-related postponements are rare in the NBA, with outlets noting this is the first of its kind in nearly a decade.