The NBA has decided to postpone the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors originally scheduled for Saturday in Minneapolis, in light of a recent tragic incident involving federal immigration officers that resulted in the fatal shooting of a man. The league made this decision to ensure the safety and security of the Minneapolis community.
The NBA announced that the game will be rescheduled for Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET. This rescheduling comes as both teams are also set to face each other again on Monday night in downtown Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that a 37-year-old man was killed during the encounter, but he has not disclosed the identity of the victim. However, the family has identified him as Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse. The officer involved in the shooting is described as having eight years of experience with the Border Patrol, according to federal officials.
This incident marks the third shooting and the second death in Minneapolis this month involving a federal agent, which has led to ongoing protests in the city, even amidst harsh winter conditions. Thousands took to the streets on Friday, advocating against the ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota. The protests captured significant attention as they passed key locations including the Target Center, where the Timberwolves play, and the hotel of the Warriors.
The fatal shooting occurred about two miles from the arena and has reignited community calls for accountability. The NBA has a history of reacting to social justice issues; a parallel can be drawn to the 2020 playoffs when games were postponed following the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.
Additionally, during this tumultuous weekend, a moment of silence was observed at the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball games in Miami to honor the victims of the shooting in Minnesota. Napheesa Collier, a star player for the Minnesota Lynx and one of the co-founders of Unrivaled, emphasized the significance of community solidarity during these challenging times.
The NBA’s commitment to prioritizing safety and its responsiveness to community concerns underscores a dedication to not only sport but also social awareness and responsibility.