NBA: Players Break Their Silence After Minneapolis Tragedies
Jan 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; The Minnesota Timberwolves players line up with a youth team and honor Renee Good with a moment of silence before the game with the Cleveland Cavaliers at Target Center. Good was killed by an ICE agent the day before in Minneapolis. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
The NBA community has finally broken its silence regarding the dramatic events shaking Minneapolis. After the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse shot by federal agents on Saturday, the players’ association (NBPA) and several league stars have taken a public position.
A Game Postponed in an Atmosphere of Mourning
The game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors, originally scheduled for Saturday, was postponed by 24 hours to « ensure the safety of the Minneapolis community. » This rare NBA decision comes after the death of Alex Pretti, the second American citizen killed by federal agents in less than three weeks, following Renee Good on January 7.
When the game finally took place on Sunday, the atmosphere was particularly heavy. « It was one of the strangest and saddest games I’ve ever been a part of. You could feel the dark atmosphere, » Steve Kerr confided after his Warriors’ 111-85 victory. The Golden State coach added: « Their team was suffering. You could clearly see they were struggling to deal with everything happening and what the city had been through. »
The Timberwolves-Warriors game in Minneapolis has been postponed by the NBA, sources tell ESPN, in wake of a man shot and killed Saturday in a confrontation with federal agents in the city. It’s the second shooting there in a week, third this month, involving a federal officer.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 24, 2026
Chris Finch, the Timberwolves coach, was particularly emotional: « I’m more than just a resident. This is my home. I love living here. I love being part of this community. It’s sad to see what’s happening. » The Wolves observed a minute of silence for Alex Pretti before the game, punctuated by anti-ICE chants from supporters.
The NBPA Finally Breaks Its Silence
In an official statement, the NBA players’ association declared that its members « can no longer remain silent. » « Today more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of expression and stand in solidarity with the people of Minnesota who are protesting and risking their lives to demand justice, » the NBPA text reads.
The association continued: « The NBA players’ brotherhood, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its citizens from around the world, and we refuse to let the flames of division threaten the civil liberties that are meant to protect us all. »
Several players have also taken individual positions. Karl-Anthony Towns, former Timberwolves player now with the New York Knicks, expressed his solidarity: « What’s happening in the Twin Cities and the Great North Star State is heartbreaking to see. These events have cost lives and devastated families — and we must demand accountability, transparency, and protection for all. I stand with the people of Minnesota. »
Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers was more direct, simply tweeting: « Alex Pretti was murdered. » Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves star, declared: « I love Minnesota, all the love and support they show me, so I support them. My family and I are praying for everyone. »
Anthony Edwards when asked if he had a message for the Minnesota community…
« I just love Minnesota, all the love and support that they show me. So I’m behind whatever they with. I don’t really have social media, so I’m not in tune with everything. But I’ve heard about the… pic.twitter.com/o2cUpoHfuq
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) January 26, 2026
This collective stance marks a turning point for an NBA that had remained particularly cautious since the beginning of increased immigration operations in Minnesota, contrasting with the stronger reactions observed during the 2020 protests.
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