An NBA Fan’s Guide to Enjoying an NBA Game for Non-NBA Fans

Evan Pederson

Sporting events are easier to appreciate if you’re a fan of the teams. However, while it can be hard to identify players or keep up with the pace of the game if you’re not familiar with the rules, live sporting events are still entertaining and have something for everyone.

I paid $10 to watch the Minnesota Timberwolves host the very injured Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, Feb. 12, where—I’m not going to sugarcoat it—they lost in pretty embarrassing fashion to a team they should have beaten, 103-101. While the on-the-court performance will influence a lot of the vibe, there’s still plenty else to enjoy. Whether it was the three separate T-shirt giveaways via cannon, the chihuahua balancing act halftime show, or the free Chick-fil-a sandwich incentive (awarded to fans if the opposing team misses two free throws in a row) during the fourth quarter, the environment was still pumping with energy.

For me, the biggest draw to a live sporting event is the sense of community. While some fanbases garner a reputation for being dangerously cult-like and rabid, Minnesotans have found their roots in more niche lore and tradition. Anthony Edwards is the star of the team, but Naz Reid, a bench power forward, has inexplicably caught the attention of fans. “Naz Reid” is emblazoned on beach towels, his likeness plastered onto bobbleheads, and his name tattooed onto the bodies of fans and uttered as a sort of unifying creed. I couldn’t tell you the origin of the obsession if I tried. It’s an encapsulation of the community, and beautiful to see in person.

If you’re ever looking for something to do, come on down to Target Center to watch Anthony Edwards posterize somebody, cheer on a white 37-year-old Australian dude shooting 3-pointers, or commune with your fellow Minnesotans—it’s a blast.