NBA Postpones Warriors-Timberwolves Game Amid Minneapolis Unrest
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The NBA has delayed Saturday’s matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors in Minneapolis after a morning confrontation with federal officers left one man dead and triggered fresh protests across the city.
In a statement, the league said the postponement was made “to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community.” The game has been rescheduled for Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET and will be shown on NBA TV. The clubs are still slated to meet again Monday night at Target Center.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that a 37-year-old local resident was killed in the Saturday shooting but did not release his name. The victim’s family identified him as ICU nurse Alex Pretti. Federal officials said the officer who fired the shot is an eight-year veteran of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The incident marks the city’s third shooting—and second fatal one—this month involving a federal agent, fueling ongoing demonstrations despite subzero temperatures. On Friday, thousands of protesters marched through downtown Minneapolis, opposing a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation and passing both Target Center and the Warriors’ team hotel.
Saturday’s shooting occurred roughly two miles south of the arena, prompting additional protests in the area. The original game had been scheduled for national broadcast on ABC.
NBA games were previously postponed in 2020 when players inside the Walt Disney World “bubble” halted play for three days following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Source: ESPN
