By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Golden State Warriors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 111-85, with protests on the fatal shootings in Minneapolis extending to fans in Target Center on Sunday, following the NBA’s decision to postpone the game on Saturday.
“Everything should be about the safety and concern for not only the players and the fans, but everybody here in Minneapolis with what’s going on,” mentioned the head coach of the Warriors, Steve Kerr, in a pregame press conference.
“We never have been perfect. But I think our ideals have been in the right place for a long time, our values. I think no matter what side of the aisle you stand on, I think remembering the values that come with the constitution, that come with citizenship, the values of looking after each other are so important right now. Just because of the extremism that we can feel from all over the place. People are so angry,” explained the 60-year-old tactician.
Before guiding the Warriors to a 26-21 record in the 2025-26 Regular Season, Kerr shared his view on the current situation in Minnesota and the United States.
“We’re being divided by the media for profit. By misinformation. There’s so much out there that it is really difficult for all of us to sort of reconcile. In times like these, you have to lean on the values of who you are and who you want to be, either as an individual or as a country. I think that’s the biggest thing, and that’s what’s so sad about all this,” he said. “It is a confusing time to be alive and to be an American.”
“I love living here. I love being a part of this community. I’ve been embraced from Day 1. People have been amazing. It’s sad to watch what is happening. On the human level, certainly as somebody who takes great pride in being here, I know a lot of our players feel the same. They all love being here, and it’s just hard to watch what we’re going through,” commented Chris Finch, the head coach of the Wolves.
Statement from the NBPA and its Executive Committee on the Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis by ICE.
“There comes a time when silence is betrayal” -MLK pic.twitter.com/ka6CjhfHBb
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) January 25, 2026
Reactions spread to an official statement by the National Basketball Players Association, NBPA.
“Following the news of yet another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, a city that has been on the forefront of the fight against injustices, NBA players can no longer remain silent.
Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice.
The fraternity of NBA players, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its global citizens, and we refuse to let the flames of division threaten the civil liberties that are meant to protect us all.
The NBA and its members extend our deepest condolences to the families of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, just as our thoughts remain focused on the safety and well-being of all members of our community.”
After the first meeting, the Warriors and Timberwolves are set for a second straight game in Target Center on Monday. At the top of a back-to-back, Dutch Quinten Post put in five points, four rebounds, and one steal in just under 16 minutes. However, fellow Dutch import Malevy Leons was inactive for the team coached by Kerr.
On the wrong end, Italian Donte DiVincenzo tallied 22 points, alongside seven rebounds and one steal. French teammates, Rudy Gobert and Joan Beringer, ranged from four points and five rebounds to two blocks and two rebounds.
“Definitely, emotions are high as a community, but the game thing is just separate,” noted 28-year-old DiVincenzo in a postgame interview, after a fifth straight loss for the Wolves. “This skid, it’s energy-based. I think it’s just something we need to turn around.”