NBA fans are some of the most passionate—and petty—in all of sports. They’ll defend their team, their city, and their star player like it’s a full-time job, and heaven help you if you say the wrong thing on social media.
However, not all fan bases are built the same. Some can take a joke. Others? One wrong word and your mentions will be a battlefield. Here’s our ranking of all 30 NBA fan bases by how quickly they get offended.
30. Indiana Pacers
You could forget to include them in a list, and they still wouldn’t blink. Pacers fans are mostly chill, quietly enjoying their basketball in peace.
29. Orlando Magic
They know they’re in a rebuild that never ends, so they’ve accepted the slander. They want you to know Paolo is nice, and that’s about it.
28. Charlotte Hornets
Between years of mediocrity and a lack of national spotlight, Hornets fans have grown a thick skin. Say what you want—they’ve heard worse.
27. Washington Wizards
They usually agree with the criticism. In fact, they’re probably tweeting the same jokes about their team as you are.
26. Utah Jazz
Jazz fans will come at you if you disrespect their basketball history, but outside of that, they usually shrug off the noise. They’re used to being overlooked and mostly lean into it.
25. New Orleans Pelicans
They don’t love the constant Zion jokes, but they aren’t going to war over it either. They’re more likely to sigh than fire back.
24. Atlanta Hawks
They can get spicy, but only when Trae Young is involved. Otherwise, they let a lot slide because they know they’ve still got work to do.
23. Sacramento Kings
A few years ago, they would’ve been near the top—but after breaking the playoff drought, they’ve chilled out. Light the beam, not the Twitter fights.
22. Oklahoma City Thunder
Thunder fans will defend their young core, but they’re generally pretty rational. Just don’t bring up how many draft picks they have unless you want a spreadsheet in your replies.
21. Detroit Pistons
Pistons fans are too emotionally exhausted to get offended anymore. Sure, they’ve had a good season this year, but they’ve also seen enough losing to numb them to the internet’s opinions.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers
They’ll clap back if you disrespect their post-LeBron identity, but they’re not looking for trouble. Just give Garland some love and you’re good.
19. Portland Trail Blazers
It used to be all about defending Dame. Now it’s more about pretending they’re fine and trying not to take things personally.
18. L.A. Clippers
They’ve always had a bit of a chip on their shoulder from living in the Lakers’ shadow. They’ll fire off a response, but it’s usually to remind you they’re also pretty good.
17. Phoenix Suns
The second you mention rings, the pitchforks come out. Suns fans are confident—and very ready to defend that confidence.
16. Denver Nuggets
Winning a title brought some pride—and some new sensitivity. Jokic jokes don’t go over as easily anymore.
15. San Antonio Spurs
They used to be stoic and unbothered, but Wemby has changed the vibe. Now they’re a little quicker to defend their guy.
14. Minnesota Timberwolves
They’ve spent years being mocked, so they don’t love any extra criticism. They’ll try to take the high road but might throw in a passive-aggressive stat.
13. Houston Rockets
They’ll fire back fast, especially if you come for their young guys. The rebuild might be in progress, but the fandom’s pride is fully formed.
12. Toronto Raptors
They’re polite until you forget they won a title. Then it’s all-caps tweets and “but 2019!” in your mentions.
11. Memphis Grizzlies
Grizzlies fans adopted the team’s edgy persona. If you hate on their guys, expect a full-court press in your replies.
10. Chicago Bulls
They take any slander personally—even if it’s true. Don’t even think about bringing up post-Jordan struggles unless you want a history lesson.
9. Milwaukee Bucks
Say one slightly negative thing about Giannis and watch the internet melt down. Bucks fans are loyal—and very easily triggered.
8. Dallas Mavericks
They’ll absolutely lose it if you bring up the Luka trade. Just don’t do it and save yourself the anguish.
7. Boston Celtics
They’ll pretend they’re above it, but they’re checking every reply. And what do you think about Boston as a city? Prepare for battle.
6. Brooklyn Nets
The smallest slight sets them off—probably because they’re still fighting for validation. They want to matter, and they’ll get loud if you act like they don’t.
5. Golden State Warriors
They’ve got all the rings and somehow still act like underdogs. Warriors fans can’t take a joke about Steph or Draymond—like, at all.
4. Miami Heat
Heat Culture™ is sacred, and if you dare question it, they will absolutely come for you. Don’t even think about slandering Spo.
3. New York Knicks
Knicks fans live on the edge of rage at all times. They’ll roast their team mercilessly—but if you do it, prepare for war.
Read More: The Absolute Worst NBA Franchises of the ’90s
2. Philadelphia 76ers
They get mad fast, and they get mad loud. If you mention “Process” or bring up Embiid’s playoff history, duck.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Worst NBA Franchises of All Time
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Nobody gets offended faster than Lakers fans. Say anything negative about their team, history, or players—even if it’s true—and you’ll be trending L.A. within minutes.
Read More: 15 Former NBA Centers Who Could Play in Today’s Game
