Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
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Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors looks on prior to the start of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center.
Stephen Curry exploded for 26 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 111–85 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, but the result on the court felt secondary to the weight hanging over Minneapolis.
The game at Target Center unfolded against the backdrop of citywide grief and unrest following two fatal shootings involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents this month — events that led to protests, a postponed game Saturday, and a somber atmosphere that lingered into Sunday.
“It was definitely that,” Curry said, agreeing with coach Steve Kerr’s assessment that the mood inside the arena reflected the city’s pain. “I know there’s a lot of heavy hearts. A lot of things — especially for this Minneapolis community — have been rough. You could feel it when we got here two days ago.”
Warriors Coach Calls Atmosphere ‘One of the Saddest Games’ He’s Experienced
Kerr said the Warriors’ victory came with little celebration given the circumstances surrounding the Timberwolves’ home arena.
“Honestly, what I felt was that their group was suffering,” Kerr said. “The vibe in the stands — it was one of the most bizarre, sad games I’ve ever been a part of. You could feel it. Their team was struggling with everything that’s been going on and what the city has been through.”
Golden State led comfortably for most of the night, forcing turnovers and turning the game into a rout, but Kerr said the scoreline failed to capture the emotional context.
“We’re happy about the win,” Kerr said, “but it was very difficult to see so many people struggling and sad. People came to the game to try to forget about stuff, but I don’t think anything went away for the city or for their team.”
Minneapolis Protests Intensify After Two ICE-Related Fatal Shootings
The unrest stems from two deadly encounters involving federal immigration agents in January.
On Jan. 7, Renée Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE officer during a separate encounter in Minneapolis. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide, citing multiple gunshot wounds, according to People.com. Federal authorities said the agent fired after Good allegedly attempted to strike officers with her vehicle — an account disputed by her family and local officials.
According to the Associated Press, community advocates and elected leaders have called for transparency, accountability, and an independent review of the shooting.
Tensions escalated further on Jan. 24, when Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed during an ICE enforcement operation in the city. Federal officials said an agent fired in self-defense after Pretti allegedly resisted disarmament. However, the bystander video reviewed by ABC News appears to show Pretti holding only a cellphone moments before he was tackled and shot.
The second fatal incident sparked large demonstrations, clashes with law enforcement, and renewed scrutiny of federal immigration operations, according to reporting from WCVB-TV and other national outlets.
Stephen Curry Watches Anti-ICE Protests From Hotel
Curry said the protests were impossible to ignore — even from the team’s hotel.
“I was glued to the TV when we weren’t playing,” Curry said. “Just watching the coverage, understanding what was going on, trying to really get knowledgeable about it.”
He added that he recorded video from his hotel room as demonstrators marched through downtown Minneapolis.
“It was like three straight hours,” Curry said. “In negative 10-degree weather. That was beautiful to see that turnout. That speaks to how important people felt it was to have their voice heard.”
Warriors Lock In Defensively Despite Emotional Setting
Curry, who was listed as questionable due to knee soreness, added seven assists and helped fuel Golden State’s defense, which produced a season-high 20 steals. The Warriors disrupted Minnesota’s rhythm early and never allowed the game to become competitive.
Still, Curry said the focus before tipoff wasn’t on basketball.
“There’s a lot of change that needs to happen,” he said. “When you’re here, you feel it. Hopefully, the community comes together, and the right decisions are made so there’s more of a peaceful environment here.”
For one night, the Warriors executed their game plan. But as Curry and Kerr made clear, the larger story unfolding in Minneapolis extended far beyond the final score.