MIAMI _ The national anthem was accompanied by social statement Friday night at AmericanAirlines Arena, performed by a kneeling singer before the Miami Heat faced the Philadelphia 76ers.
The singer, identified by the Heat as Denasia Lawrence, wore a shirt with the message, "Black Lives Matter."
As they have done during their previous two exhibitions, Heat players and coaches stood at attention for the anthem with their arms locked.
The Heat issued a statement during the game that read, "We were unaware of it ahead of time."
Following the game, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he noticed the singer's approach at the end of the anthem.
"I just noticed when she was finishing up," he said. "We felt as a basketball team we would do something united so that was our focus.
"Throughout all of this I think the most important thing that has come out is very poignant, thoughtful dialogue. We've had dialogue within our walls here. And hopefully this will lead to action."
