MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Timberwolves took to the court following a postponed game against the Golden State Warriors, with the focus heavily influenced by the local community's turmoil. Warriors coach Steve Kerr remarked on the somber mood pervading the arena, describing it as one of the most bizarre and sad games he had experienced. He noted that both the fans and players seemed preoccupied with the hardships being faced by their community.
Before the matchup, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch expressed deep concern for the community's pain stemming from an ongoing immigration crackdown. This situation escalated after the recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old man, by a federal officer. Finch, typically reserved in his public statements, displayed visible emotion when discussing the tragic events unfolding in Minneapolis, leading to the NBA's decision to postpone the game by 24 hours to honor the public's grieving process.
Finch, who has been with the Timberwolves for five years, emphasized his deep connection to Minneapolis, stating, “I love living here. I love being a part of this community.” He also noted that many players shared similar sentiments about their attachment to the city and expressed sorrow over the current situation. Following the game, Finch described the performance of his team as a “ghost of a performance,” highlighting the emotional weight that overshadowed their inability to compete effectively.
Prior to the national anthem, the Timberwolves held a moment of silence for Pretti, continuing the tribute they had paid to another victim of police violence, Renee Good, earlier in January. The climate of fear and unrest in the community has stemmed from an intensified immigration enforcement operation initiated by the Trump administration in December, which the Department of Homeland Security has called the largest in history. The administration's recent actions have led to protests, including one that drew tens of thousands to downtown Minneapolis just before the game.
Regarding the need for the game to be postponed, Finch expressed gratitude towards the NBA and the Warriors, noting that "playing basketball just didn't feel like the right thing to do." Warriors coach Steve Kerr added that the atmosphere made it nearly impossible for anyone – players or fans – to focus solely on the game amidst the grief and unrest around them.
The sentiments of sorrow and anger were echoed throughout the sports community, with athletes like Breanna Stewart advocating for the abolition of ICE during a league game, and the NBA Players Association publicly supporting protests in Minnesota. Former Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns shared condolences on social media, emphasizing the need for reflection on societal values following such tragic events.
In a collective move, the Timberwolves alongside other major sports teams in the region signed a letter with Minnesota-based CEOs, urging for immediate de-escalation and collaboration among officials to address the issues at hand. Kerr noted the importance of recognizing shared humanity amid the discord, stating, “People are so angry” and emphasizing the need to appeal to “our better angels” to foster understanding rather than division.
Post-game, Timberwolves player Anthony Edwards acknowledged the gravity of the situation, despite not being entirely tuned into the details. He expressed appreciation for the support he received from the community and extended prayers for everyone affected. Teammate Julius Randle shared a similar perspective, affirming the tragedy of losing life while highlighting his enjoyment of living in Minnesota. He concluded his remarks by noting that any loss of life is a painful experience for the community.
