20-Second Timeout: Sweet Home San Antonio

On the Spurs recent trip to Portland to play the Blazers, I took some time to look around the Rose Garden, the Blazers' home arena. During a timeout in the second half, I couldn't help but notice there were no smiles, no holiday spirit, very little enthusiasm.

A few nights later at the SBC Center, the Spurs were hosting the Clippers, and it was electric. The Silver Dancers, the Coyote, fans of all ages pumped up and loudly pulling for their Spurs.

This is not a knock on the Blazers' fans.

When the Blazers have it going well, the Rose Garden can be a tough place to play, getting as loud as nearly any arena in the league. Things, though, are not going well for the Blazers. Some ill-advised personnel decisions and a plethora of legal problems off the court have the Blazers fans feeling hurt, betrayed, and in a sort of limbo. They desperately want to support their team, but its getting more and more difficult to do so. Rasheed Wallace's most recent tirade teamed with the continuing police blotter appearances have some fans boycotting.

The Silver Dancers are only part of of the Spurs gameday experience. Spurs/NBAE/Getty

I met one gentleman who is a season ticket holder but simply "cherrypicks" the games he'll attend. It all depends on the visiting team. Of course, he wanted to see the Spurs, so he was in attendance on this night, just to see Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili....not to see Damon Stoudamire and Qyntel Woods.

Spurs fans, count your blessings. The team you cheer on is not only fun to watch, but also worthy of your support.