It’s not uncommon for a Suns player or front-office executive to stand at center court at US Airways Center, mic in hand and thank the Phoenix fans for attending a game. What is unusual, however, is that Suns personality offering a public apology and a gift in return for a poor showing out on the floor.
That’s exactly what happened on Thursday night, only Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver wasn’t asking forgiveness for a lackluster effort from his team. He was offering a token of appreciation to fans who came out to see a preseason matchup between two longtime rivals, as Phoenix hosted the San Antonio Spurs, but got something else.
The defending NBA Champions left five of their players back home in Texas, including veteran All-Stars Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, who were rested after playing a pair of preseason games overseas. NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard also missed the game with an eye infection.
Robert Sarver Talks to Fans
The short-handed Spurs struggled to keep up with the Suns throughout the night, particularly Phoenix’s trio of playmakers, Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas, who combined for 51 points and 17 assists in 70 minutes between them.
With just minutes to go in the Suns’ 121-90 rout, Sarver made his way to the scorer’s table and asked for a mic to address the several thousand fans who stayed until the final buzzer, thanking them for attending and apologizing that they did not receive the matchup they had expected.
“This is not the game you paid your hard-earned money to watch,” a passionate Sarver said. “I apologize for it and I want you to send me your tickets if you came tonight… I’ve got a gift for you on behalf of the Suns for showing up.”
Fans who attended the Suns’ final home preseason game and had their tickets scanned upon entry are encouraged to mail those tickets, along with their full name, mailing address and e-mail address, to: Phoenix Suns Attn: Robert Sarver 201 E. Jefferson Street Phoenix, AZ, 85004
Fans who send in their tickets and required information by Oct. 24 will receive a credit at US Airways Center redeemable for tickets, merchandise or concessions at any game or event through June 30, 2015. Fans who send in 200 level tickets will receive $25 in arena cash per ticket, while fans who send in 100 level tickets will receive $50 arena cash per ticket.
Those who attended Thursday night's game using mobile ticketing can fill out the form below to receive their voucher for arena cash.