Heat Fans Cheer On Team To Game 7 Win
HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) - While thousands of fans filled the American Airlines Arena to watch Saturday's Game 7 win by the Miami Heat over the Boston Celtics 101-88, some had prior commitments.
Whether it be a wedding, a birthday party or an awards banquet, not everyone could be at a bar enjoying the game.
At the Westin Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Heat fans watched the game on their phones until a larger screen was set up outside the venue.
"We forewent some good seats tonight," Elie Anidjar said. "But it's for a good cause and we wanted to make sure we show our support here tonight. It's more important than anything."
Anidjar was talking about the Broward County Law Enforcement Appreciation Awards. He was there for the ceremony, but was keeping tabs on the game on his smart phone from the dinner table.
"I was busted watching the Heat game making sure our Heat are going to rally against the Celtics tonight," Anidjar said.
The award ceremony was planned months in advance, but Game 7 only became a sure thing Thursday.
That sent event organizers scrambling for a TV to show the game.
"I feel a little bad that I'm not paying attention too much to it," Kari Pallotto said as she watched the game outside the banquet hall.
For Pallotto, even if the Heat had lost, it was a night of celebration. She was awarded top honors for community policing.
"I'm very ecstatic, it's awesome. It's a great honor," Pallotto said.
She hoped her favorite team could take home a trophy, too.
"They better win," Pallotto said before the game was over.
They did.
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Game 1 of the NBA Finals will be held in Oklahoma City starting Tuesday at 9 p.m. The first home game for the Heat in the Finals will be Sunday, June 17.
