The NBA Playoffs are a sprint to 16 wins, but the drama and length of the postseason can feel more like a marathon.

Just as a nudge of encouragement can fuel marathon runners to the finish line, the No. 1-seeded Houston Rockets, whose adage is to “Run As One,” could use an extra push in the form of punctual support.

To be blunt: Rockets fans need to show up to the game on time.

The Rockets have tried to entice fans to get in their seats earlier with discount concessions and $5 beer, with limited results. The most recent promotional attempt on May 2 ended in a 116-108 loss in Game 2 to the Utah Jazz. The Toyota Center crowd did not play a factor until late in the second quarter.

With a chance to eliminate the Jazz in Tuesday’s Game 5 in Houston, the Rockets are on the verge of just their second Western Conference Finals appearance since 1997, and they could use an electric atmosphere from the start.

RELATED: Fans hope Rockets can follow in Astros' footsteps

ALSO: A plan for the central business district offers a vision worth pursuing

The Rockets have emerged as one of the NBA’s destination franchises, yet nationally televised home games often reveal rows of empty seats draped with complimentary T-shirts. At times this has made the Rockets’ championship pursuit look like a regular-season affair, or worse — meaningless preseason games.

No, spectators cannot help the Rockets sink 3-pointers or make proper defensive adjustments. They can, however, provide a spark. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

A spark can inspire P.J. Tucker to fight for a 50-50 ball on the floor. The added adrenaline can give Clint Capela the jump he needs to deny an opponent's shot. It can give James Harden, the league's soon-to-be MVP, the confidence he needs to sink his signature, step-back 3-pointer to send fans into orbit.

RELATED: Rockets ownership should reflect Houston

ALSO: High-speed rail station belongs in downtown Houston

Not every fan is to blame. The division of the Rockets’ fan hierarchy can be easily illustrated through the division of the upper bowl and lower bowl. The pulse of Red Nation beats loudest in the less expensive seats in sections 401-434. Upper-bowl attendees are categorized as being prompt and properly noisy.

The lateness in the east and west club level sections is far more pronounced, especially on television. It is assumed, perhaps unfairly, that a significant portion of lower bowl club seats are company-owned. That they belong to wealthy fans not as emotionally invested in the Rockets’ quest for glory.

Now is the time for the club seats to prove the critics wrong.

Regardless of vantage points, playoff games are too special of an occasion to not plan ahead for the inevitable lines for ticket scanning, security screenings and traffic.

These factors are not unique to Houston. Other major league cities also have gridlock, congestion and a lack of parking in areas surrounding sports venues, too. Our workforce is not the only one with people who enjoy watching sporting events in person. And somehow they fill their seats before tipoff.

JEROME SOLOMON: If you didn't know by now, Rockets are just better

The Rockets, meanwhile, are stuck relying on bribery.

Besides cheering on the team, there are a number of reasons to get to the Toyota Center on time.

The in-game entertainment is among the best in the NBA.

During the rousing pregame introduction video, all corners of the arena can feel the heat of the flames that shoot out of each basket. Matt Thomas, Rockets PA announcer and a local sports radio host, is convincing when he insists people get on their feet for the starting lineups. In his first season as owner, Tilman Fertitta started the unique and philanthropic tradition of the “First Shot” where a local celebrity attempts a free throw for charity.

The Rockets will have to dig deep and catch some lucky breaks if they are to return the Larry O’Brien Trophy to Houston.

They will have to do whatever it takes.

If the Rockets home court cannot provide an advantage, then they cannot truly “Run As One.” Fans must overcome their own obstacles. They will have to execute a game plan, or their most efficient route to downtown. They will have make arrangements to take their seats on time. They will have to do whatever it takes.

Brannen is a former sports writer turned fan based in Houston.