A large “ICE Out” demonstration in downtown Minneapolis concluded at the Target Center on Friday afternoon, but the crowd was so immense that over half of the participants couldn’t enter the arena. More protests continued on Saturday, fueled by the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal agents, which ignited widespread sorrow and outrage both locally and nationwide. In response, the NBA postponed the Timberwolves game scheduled that evening at Target Center.
The rescheduled game took place on Sunday, where Warriors coach Steve Kerr described it as one of the “weirdest, saddest games” he’s experienced. The Timberwolves seemed unmotivated, scoring only 85 points—below their usual 100-point mark this season—allowing an easy victory for the Warriors.
By Monday, life and basketball carried on. The Warriors and Timberwolves faced off again, but attendees at Target Center noticed a subdued, somber, and somewhat strange atmosphere. Though Minnesota appeared unfocused early on, the mood improved as Bones Hyland energized the team off the bench. The Timberwolves defeated a less competitive Golden State squad, ending their five-game losing streak with 17 points from Hyland and 18 from Julius Randle. For now, Minnesota is taking every win it can get both on and off the court.
“It’s huge,” Rudy Gobert said postgame during an interview with Peacock. “We’re here doing what we love—bringing joy and providing a distraction from all the bad things happening. That’s all we can do. Stay safe, send love to those affected, and keep doing what we’re doing. People need some joy during times like these.”
Minneapolis and Minnesota remain shaken by the recent killings of Pretti and Renee Good just weeks earlier. Protests continue to flood the city streets, an energy clearly felt inside Target Center. Chants of “F*** ICE” echoed throughout the games—even during moments of silence for Pretti—and the Timberwolves’ trampoline dunk team donned “ICE Out” shirts on Sunday.
During a pause in Monday’s game, the jumbotron showed fans holding signs reading “ICE Out Now!” which was met with loud cheers. The players have also made their positions clear, with former Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns among those voicing support.
Many NBA players are speaking out. After Sunday’s Warriors win, Stephen Curry reflected, “There’s a lot of changes that need to happen. You feel it when you’re here… It was inspiring to see peaceful protests unified in their message. We hoped it would lead to positive change—but then to wake up and see what happened was heartbreaking.”
Brianna Stewart, after a game in Miami, stated, “I was really frustrated all day, knowing my values and where I stand. There’s so much hate right now, not love. I wanted to make a clear statement: ‘Abolish ICE.’ That means supporting families and communities through policies that uplift—rather than instill fear and violence. That’s what matters most when lives are on the line.”
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch addressed the tragedy before Sunday’s game: “For the second time in under three weeks, our community has lost a cherished member in an unimaginable way. As an organization, our hearts are broken over what we have witnessed and endured. We send our deepest sympathies to Mr. Pretti’s family, all his loved ones, and those affected in this community we deeply care about—a peaceful, proud place we call home.”
“I’m not just a resident; this is my home,” Finch added. “I love living here and being part of this community that has welcomed me from day one. It’s heartbreaking to see what’s unfolding. Many of our players feel the same—they love being here, and it’s painful to witness these events.”
Monday’s win may represent a small but meaningful step toward bringing joy and beginning the healing process for the community.
Fan Take: This moment underscores how basketball is more than just a game—it’s a platform for unity and healing amid social turmoil. For fans and the sport alike, it’s a reminder that players and teams can influence positive change while offering solace to fans during difficult times.
