Fans of the Northwest

The Northwest Division has been one of the most exciting in the NBA for the past half-decade. It has produced four strong teams (Blazers, Jazz, Nuggets, and Thunder) that have featured prominently on the national stage and in the playoffs. It also has some of the most fervent fans in the Association. As such, we have decided to rank the fan experience of each in order from worst to first. Unfortunately, due to insufficient funding, TGRTNS has only been able to attend games in three of them, but that will not stop our pontification.



5. Minnesota Timberwovles

Although they are a pretty exciting young team and should receive a lot of views from league pass this season, their crowd appears modest in comparison to the rest of the division. This is understandable, given the fact that David Kahn has consistently killed any hopes for a good team and that the modern NBA is not conducive to starting five point guards. The fans are just not rowdy enough to knock the Wolves from the bottom position.



4. Denver Nuggets

Having witnessed the spanking of division rival Utah at the Pepsi Center earlier this week, I can say definitively that this is a pleasant place to play basketball, although not much else. The fans cheered loudly as the Birdman entered the game and were happy to see the Nuggets work the weave drill against one Utah defender all night, but this stadium lacked the intimidation that some others exhibit. Teams need not be afraid of playing in Denver come April and May.


3. Oklahoma City Thunder*

Placing the Chesapeake Energy Arena third in the division will almost certainly infuriate our Thunder readers, but please hear me out. This stadium has undoubtedly become one of the most exciting places to play in the NBA and brings the Ruckus daily. It loses points on three accounts, though. First, Thunder fans have never had to suffer through an extended rebuilding process, and have instead only witnessed its success. It is a lot easier to go nuts for Kevin Durrant than it is for Steven Jackson. Second, this team is stolen property, and will always be asterisked as such. Third.



2. Portland Trail Blazers

Blazers fans are extremely loud and incredibly engaged, and often for good reason. The PTB have started this season by winning three straight games and they are consistently a playoff team (unfortunately one that consistently loses in the first round). They earn extra points due to the amount of frustration they have had to endure with the Brandon Roy's early retirement and Greg Oden's imminently following.


1. Utah Jazz

In addition to being a homer, there are some legitimate reasons that the experience in Salt Lake City tops the division, and potentially the NBA. As opposed to the Thunder, this veteran fan base has experienced losing seasons before and will again for the short term future. As opposed to the Blazers, fans continued to flock to the stadium to watch the Jazz even when they were horrible. If you need more convincing, just listen to this.


*Stolen property