Timberwolves and Warriors Coaches Speak Out Amid Minneapolis Unrest

Chris Finch and Steve Kerr address community grief and call for unity following fatal federal shooting

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court scene with players and spectators rendered in sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conveying the tension and emotion surrounding the postponed game.The weight of Minneapolis' pain casts a somber shadow over the court as the Timberwolves and Warriors face off in a game postponed by community unrest.Minneapolis Today

In the wake of another tragic police shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr spoke out about the profound impact on the community and the role of sports figures in times of crisis. The game between the two teams was postponed as Finch and Kerr held discussions with players, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the need for leadership and solidarity.

Why it matters

The shooting of Alex Pretti, the second such incident in the city this month, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for police reform and accountability. The reactions from Finch and Kerr highlight the deep connections between sports teams and their local communities, as well as the broader national debate around issues of systemic racism, immigration enforcement, and the responsibility of public figures to address social injustice.

The details

Finch, visibly emotional, expressed the collective grief of the Timberwolves organization and the Minneapolis community, saying 'This is a community we deeply love—a place known for its peace and pride—and we stand firmly in support of its people.' Kerr echoed Finch's sentiments and went further, framing the issue as part of a larger national crisis and calling for a return to the 'values rooted in our Constitution and our humanity.' The game was postponed after discussions with players, who felt it was not appropriate to play in the wake of the tragedy.

  • On April 10, 2026, federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
  • On January 7, 2026, federal agents shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis, further inflaming tensions.
  • The Timberwolves vs. Warriors game was originally scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2026, but was postponed by the league.

The players

Chris Finch

The head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who has been with the team for 5 1/2 seasons and expressed his deep connection to the Minneapolis community.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors, known for speaking out on social issues, who echoed Finch's sentiments and framed the unrest as part of a larger national crisis.

Alex Pretti

A cherished member of the Minneapolis community who was fatally shot by federal agents, sparking outrage and grief.

Renee Good

A Minneapolis resident who was shot and killed by federal agents on January 7, 2026, further inflaming tensions in the city.

JD Vance

The Vice President, who recently visited Minneapolis and suggested that local officials' lack of cooperation with ICE was exacerbating the unrest.

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What they’re saying

“For the second time in less than three weeks, we've lost another cherished member of our community in a way that defies comprehension. As an organization, we're devastated by what we're witnessing. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest concerns go out to Mr. Pretti's family, loved ones, and everyone affected by this unthinkable tragedy. This is a community we deeply love—a place known for its peace and pride—and we stand firmly in support of its people.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

“This isn't just about basketball. It's about the safety and well-being of everyone in Minneapolis. We're being torn apart by media profiteering and misinformation. It's a confusing time to be alive, and we need to lean on our shared values—values rooted in our Constitution and our humanity.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Vice President Vance to visit Minneapolis again amid the ongoing unrest.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the important role that sports figures and organizations can play in addressing social issues and supporting their local communities. By speaking out and using their platforms, Finch and Kerr have demonstrated the power of sports to bring people together, foster dialogue, and advocate for change during times of crisis.