| | PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers' home opener against
Seattle was delayed twice for nearly a half hour Monday night because of smoke and debris from fireworks.
The game, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET, didn't get under way
until nearly 7:20 after a brief tribute to the late Wilt
Chamberlain and a stirring rendition of the national anthem by
Teddy Pendergrass. It was followed by a gaudy display of
pyrotechnics, including a blowtorch. One might say it backfired.
The game was stopped after only 46 seconds and one basket
because the players were sliding on the dusty debris. Referee Bill
Kennedy rubbed his eyes as he called for time. Coaches and players
congregated at the scorer's table, then retreated to their benches
while courtside attendants swabbed the decks with brooms and
towels.
Pregame ceremonies were marred by a power shortage to the
jumbotron that hangs above center court, cutting short
Chamberlain's tribute. While attendants swept the floor, the game
clock started running.
Play finally resumed after a 10-minute delay, making the total
delay 30 minutes.
Philadelphia beat Seattle 117-98 to end a 12-game losing streak against the SuperSonics. | |
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