NBA Postpones Warriors-Timberwolves Game Amid Minneapolis Shooting Protests
In a shocking move, the NBA has postponed Saturday's highly anticipated game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors in Minneapolis, citing growing unrest in the city following a deadly confrontation with federal immigration officers. The shooting resulted in the death of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed.
The decision to postpone the game was made "to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community," according to an NBA statement. Despite subzero temperatures, thousands of protesters took to the streets on Friday afternoon, calling for an end to the ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in the state.
This latest development comes amid a backdrop of persistent protests across Minneapolis, sparked by two shooting incidents involving federal agents in the past month, resulting in one death and several injuries. The officers involved are described as eight-year Border Patrol veterans.
The NBA has faced challenges in recent years regarding player activism and social justice, with players boycotting games following high-profile incidents such as the Jacob Blake shooting in Wisconsin. However, this is the first time a game has been postponed due to unrelated protests.
Games between the Warriors and Timberwolves are scheduled to resume on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET and Monday night, albeit behind closed doors, with the NBA opting to play without spectators in an effort to minimize potential disruptions.
In a shocking move, the NBA has postponed Saturday's highly anticipated game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors in Minneapolis, citing growing unrest in the city following a deadly confrontation with federal immigration officers. The shooting resulted in the death of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed.
The decision to postpone the game was made "to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community," according to an NBA statement. Despite subzero temperatures, thousands of protesters took to the streets on Friday afternoon, calling for an end to the ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in the state.
This latest development comes amid a backdrop of persistent protests across Minneapolis, sparked by two shooting incidents involving federal agents in the past month, resulting in one death and several injuries. The officers involved are described as eight-year Border Patrol veterans.
The NBA has faced challenges in recent years regarding player activism and social justice, with players boycotting games following high-profile incidents such as the Jacob Blake shooting in Wisconsin. However, this is the first time a game has been postponed due to unrelated protests.
Games between the Warriors and Timberwolves are scheduled to resume on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET and Monday night, albeit behind closed doors, with the NBA opting to play without spectators in an effort to minimize potential disruptions.