It was the best Black Friday deal in Miami for fans who love the game.
"I am excited. Hopefully we'll be champions," said Miami Heat fan Carlos Herrera, who was at Bayside Mall.
NBA owners and players reached a tentative deal early Saturday to end the 149-day lockout to kick off the season Christmas day.
"No one really starts paying attention until Christmas anyway once football is almost over, so it'll be good," said basketball fan Rudy Wilson.
Many Bayside businesses called it a Thanksgiving miracle.
"We can tell that the restaurants are a lot quieter, the stores are quieter, the parking is empty I mean they really make an economic impact," said Jacki Glinsky, who runs a fishing business.
Tradewinds bartender Elizabeth Pacheco is banking on a winning team.
"I think its going to be a good season, and I'm glad its happening because then I get to make some extra money," said Pacheco.
The deal must be approved by a majority on both sides.
The players must first drop the anti-trust lawsuit filed a week ago and reform the 430-plus player union, in order to vote on the deal.
"It's been kind of annoying to listen to these guys go back and forth, who's right and who's not," added Wilson.
Owners and players spent much of the summer and fall battling over revenues in a new collective bargaining agreement. NBA commissioner David Stern is optimistic the game will be saved.
If the deal is approved, the Miami Heat is likely set for an NBA finals rematch at Dallas on Christmas Day.
