Chris Finch’s voice wavered with emotion as he conveyed the Minnesota Timberwolves’ sorrow and concern for the community grappling with fear and distress due to ongoing immigration enforcement. This response followed the tragic shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by a federal officer.
Known for his direct and pragmatic communication style, Finch seldom displays such vulnerability. However, he was visibly affected by the events in Minneapolis as his team prepared to face Golden State on Sunday. The matchup between the Timberwolves and the Warriors was delayed by a day after Pretti’s death on Saturday.
“I’m more than just a resident here; this is my home. I cherish living in this community, which has welcomed me warmly since day one. It’s heartbreaking to witness these events,” Finch shared. Having been with the Timberwolves for five years, he added, “On a personal level, and as someone proud to be part of this place, I know many of our players share this sentiment. They love it here, and it’s painful to see what we’re enduring.”
Before the national anthem, the Timberwolves observed a moment of silence to honor Pretti, mirroring their tribute to Renee Good, who was fatally shot by a federal officer on Jan. 8. The Trump administration, in December, initiated what the Department of Homeland Security described as the most extensive immigration enforcement action in history, and earlier this month announced plans to bolster their ranks with more officers, surpassing 2,000.
The NBA revealed on Saturday that the decision to reschedule was made to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community” after Pretti was killed during a confrontation in a commercial area, less than two miles from the Target Center. Finch mentioned that the Timberwolves advocated for the postponement to honor the community’s mourning process.
“It just didn’t seem appropriate to play basketball,” Finch remarked, expressing gratitude to the NBA and the Warriors for their understanding and support.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, long one of the league’s most outspoken coaches, was measured but clearly moved as he expressed his own sympathy.
“This has always been a great stop on the NBA tour. I love the city of Minneapolis. People here are wonderful, and it’s very sad what’s happening. I feel for the city. There’s a pall that’s been cast over the city. You can feel it. A lot of people are suffering, and obviously a loss of life is the number one concern. Those families will never get their family members back,” Kerr said.
Tens of thousands of people swarmed downtown Minneapolis on Friday in protest of the tactics and presence of immigration officers, a crowd the Warriors could see from their hotel as it moved toward Target Center. A smaller protest march took place downtown before the game Sunday.
There were plenty of other voices being raised around the sports world on Sunday. Women’s basketball star Breanna Stewart held a sign with “abolish ICE” printed on it during introductions at her Unrivaled league game. Minnesota Frost fans during a PWHL game chanted “Ice out now!” The NBA Players Association issued a statement in support of the protests in Minnesota and urged its members to speak up.
The perspectives in a polarized country vary wildly on what constitutes constitutionally protected protesting and what becomes violent political disruption, and Kerr seemed to sense that tension as he spoke before the game on Sunday.
“People are so angry. There should be an appeal to our better angels to look after one another and to recognize what’s happening. We’re being divided by media for profit, by misinformation. There’s so much out there that is really difficult for all of us to sort of reconcile,” Kerr said. “And so in times like these you have to lean on values and who you are and who you want to be, either as an individual or a country.”
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