SEATTLE — NBA superstar LeBron James’ time in the Emerald City was cut short after a chaotic night on the basketball court Saturday.
The CrawsOver Pro-Am league game that brought several big names from the NBA was canceled during the second quarter after the court became too slippery to play on.
KIRO 7 has seen reports that the reason the game became slick was because it was too humid inside, causing some condensation to build up on the floor.
In a tweet on Sunday evening, Crawford said he believes the humidity in the gym was caused after someone pulled a fire alarm and organizers were instructed to keep the doors to the gym closed, which they hadn’t done for previous Pro-Am league events at the venue.
Let’s talk about it… The humidity was there because someone pulled the fire alarm, and powers that be felt more comfortable with the gym those doors closed. ( which we’ve never done,) but with that, it made the gym a hot box. Which in turn caused condensation https://t.co/xquC5nBhsy
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) August 22, 2022
The Royal Brougham Pavilion at Seattle Pacific University, where the event was held, holds only 2,600 people.
As there were no tickets and admission was free, thousands of fans lined up outside the venue, with some even camping out beginning on Friday night.
Fans who were able to get into the event at SPU said they still had an amazing time seeing some of basketball’s biggest stars including James, Jayson Tatum, Dejounte Murray and Jamal Crawford, who organized the event.
KIRO 7′s Jake Chapman talked to fans after the event and although some did express disappointment, many were thrilled to see so much enthusiasm and passion for basketball here in Seattle.
Hundreds of people were also seen waiting outside after the game was canceled just to see James.
Seattle police were at the event to help with crowd control and to make sure traffic was moving smoothly after the game.
And while some fans said things got a little chaotic at times because of all the people, Seattle police told KIRO 7 there were no acts of violence and no one was arrested.
Few things..
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) August 21, 2022
1) I’m sorry for those who couldn’t get in. Truly…
2) I had to make the decision to stop the game to protect the players. Tough, but right decision.
3) Thank you to all of the stars showing our city love!!!!
SEATTLE!! That was SPECIAL yesterday!! WHOA 🤯🤯🤯. Even with us having to stop play because of things we couldn't control! I appreciate the love and hospitality towards me and my folks who came along for the show! 🫡 to @JCrossover @DejounteMurray @isaiahthomas. 🙏🏾🤎👊🏾👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 21, 2022
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