Suns Cancel Game With Heat

On Jan. 17, 1989, the Phoenix Suns cancel their game against the Miami Heat just minutes before game time.

The Chicago Tribune reported racial tensions in Miami were intense and parts of the city were rioting that evening. The Suns were scheduled to play the Miami Heat, but the game was canceled 50 minutes before it was scheduled to start due to pressure from the community.

The arena was located on the edge of the Overtown neighborhood. A day before the game, police officers shot and killed a black resident of the neighborhood. Schools were closed and police were out in force as they tried to quell sniper fire and looting in Overtown.

Other games that have been cancelled in the NBA have been during the 1998-1999 season. The lockout in 98-99 lasted more than six months. Which forced the season to be shortened to 50 regular season games by the time the league was back up and running.

During the 2005 season the New Orleans Hornets would play all of their games in Oklahoma City due to damage to their stadium and the city of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. In 2007 the Hornets returned to New Orleans.

Last year, during the 2011-2012 season the NBA was in the middle of another lockout. This time the lockout lasted just over five months and forced the NBA regular season schedule to be reduced to 66 regular season games.

This year Hurricane Sandy forced the postponement of several games on the East Coast, but none of the games were completely cancelled.