Warriors-Timberwolves game delayed due to unrest in Minneapolis
The NBA has decided to postpone the game on Saturday between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors in Minneapolis due to escalating tensions following a confrontation with federal officials that resulted in a man being shot and killed earlier that morning.
In an official statement, the NBA indicated that the game was postponed “to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community.”
The league plans to reschedule the game for Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET. The Warriors and Timberwolves are also set to face each other again in downtown Minneapolis on Monday night.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reported that a 37-year-old man from Minneapolis was killed in the shooting but did not disclose his identity. He mentioned that details surrounding the events leading to the shooting were scarce.
The individual who was shot was identified as ICU nurse Alex Pretti, according to his parents. Federal officials stated that the officer involved in the shooting is an eight-year veteran of the Border Patrol.
This incident marks the third shooting and the second fatality in Minneapolis this month involving a federal agent, leading to ongoing protests throughout the city despite frigid temperatures.
On Friday afternoon, thousands marched through downtown Minneapolis, demanding an end to the ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the state. The significant protests passed by the Target Center and the Warriors’ downtown hotel.
The shooting on Saturday morning took place approximately two miles south of the arena, igniting another wave of protests from local residents.
In 2020, NBA playoff games held in the “bubble” at Walt Disney World in Florida were postponed after players opted to boycott in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. Games resumed three days later.
Saturday’s game was scheduled to be broadcast on ABC; the rescheduled game on Sunday is set to be shown on NBA TV.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
