76ers’ Ersan Ilyasova on Heat games in Miami: ‘The gym was half-empty’

The 76ers went 2-0 in Miami in their first-round win over the Heat.

Does that prepare Philadelphia to open its second-round series with the Celtics in Boston tonight?

Ersan Ilyasova, via Ian Begley of ESPN:

“When we were in Miami ... the gym was half-empty,” Sixers reserve Ersan Ilyasova said after the team’s practice. “But when you go to Boston, you will feel it. Even in the regular season, you know when you play that team, the arena is full, and they’re really committed fans.”

The Heat sold out both home games against Philadelphia, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Miami fans have a reputation for arriving late, and they’re prone to leaving early. They did en masse as the 76ers pulled away for a 20-point win in Game 3.

Boston fans will be more punctual. They’ll be less likely to leave early.

The simplest way to nullify them is play well. Build a big lead on the Celtics, and Boston fans will get quieter – just like everywhere else.

But surrender a run, and Celtics fans are quicker than average to get back into it.