Reflections on Supporting an NBA Team: Navigating the Highs and Lows of Fandom

During the last three seasons, amid the struggles of my NBA team, I’ve had ample time to reflect on the pros and cons of supporting both successful and struggling teams.

Firstly, let’s address the obvious: it’s preferable to support a successful team. There are numerous advantages, such as being part of relevant discussions in the NBA community, watching primetime games, experiencing thrilling matches with high stakes, and taking pride in the team’s performance on the court. The satisfaction derived from having a successful team often surpasses the positives of rebuilding seasons (barring the excitement of winning the lottery, which is typically unknown during the season). Moments like the trade deadline and free agency offer opportunities for fans to dream big.

However, there are downsides to rooting for a championship contender. Fans of the Houston Rockets experienced this during the James Harden era. Success becomes solely defined by winning championships, yet only one team can emerge victorious each year. With more than half of NBA teams acknowledging they aren’t championship contenders in a given season, attention narrows to the handful genuinely competing for the title.

In such competitive environments, fans may find themselves scrutinizing teams and players to an extreme degree, especially in eras dominated by super teams like the Golden State Warriors. This can be mentally taxing, despite the positives.

Admittedly, it was somewhat refreshing to support a team with lower expectations. While not entirely enjoyable, I must confess to craving a change of pace. Supporting a struggling team comes with predictable outcomes: numerous losses, potential development of key players for future contention, and a heavy reliance on the draft lottery and draft itself. Free agency loses its allure, and the trade deadline seems mundane, serving as fodder for contenders’ fans to mock lesser teams.

Nonetheless, this season marks a promising return to relevance for my team. While there have been setbacks reminiscent of the past seasons, overall, there has been considerable improvement. My “realistic” target for the season was 33 wins and meaningful games in March. Although the Houston Rockets won’t make the play-in, technically, these games hold significance. With 30 wins already secured, the Rockets appear poised to achieve three more.

Interestingly, the Washington Wizards currently hold the worst record in the NBA, a notable feat considering the Detroit Pistons’ lengthy losing streak earlier this season. On a personal note, I’ve attended two NBA games this season, one of which witnessed Washington’s victory over the San Antonio Spurs on January 29. Hence, I’ll be keeping my distance from the Toyota Center today, approximately 2,500 miles away, to avoid inadvertently becoming their good luck charm.

Game Details:
– Tip-off: 7:00pm CT
– How to Watch: Space City Home Network
– Injury Report:
– Rockets: Alperen Sengun (OUT – ankle, knee), Cam Whitmore (OUT – knee)