Steph Curry Reflects on Minneapolis Protests and Game Postponement

Steph Curry spent most of Saturday in a way that many Americans did: watching television news coverage of the events unfolding in Minneapolis. The Golden State Warriors’ star was set to lead his team against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the game’s plans changed dramatically that afternoon.

The match was delayed by 24 hours after an immigration officer shot and killed Alex Pretti near downtown Minneapolis. The Timberwolves requested the postponement so that their organization members could process the incident and implement security measures at the Target Center in case of protests or unrest.

Curry spent the day at the team’s hotel in downtown Minneapolis, “glued to the TV.” He reflected on the broader implications of the situation, saying, “There’s a lot of change that needs to happen, and when you’re here, you feel it.”

A Day of Reflection and Support

Curry was particularly moved by the thousands who braved sub-zero temperatures on Friday to participate in a mass protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis. Watching from his hotel room, he expressed full support for the demonstrators.

“It was amazing to watch the turnout and the peaceful protests and the unified voice that was there,” Curry said. However, he also acknowledged the somber reality of the situation, adding, “You feel that would kind of turn the tide into a more positive direction … and then you wake up and see what happened. So obviously, there was no need to have a game yesterday.”

Although Curry and coach Steve Kerr were in communication leading up to the postponement, he downplayed his role in the decision. The game resumed on Sunday, with the Warriors winning 111-85.

A Bizarre and Sad Game

Hundreds of protesters gathered again outside the Target Center before the rescheduled tipoff, but the Warriors’ victory proceeded without interruption. Minnesota scored the game’s first basket, but they never led again. A late-second-quarter run brought the Wolves within one point at halftime, offering some excitement to a crowd preoccupied with larger concerns.

Kerr, who spoke at length about the situation before the game, took no joy in the victory. “The vibe in the stands, it was one of the most bizarre, sad games I’ve ever been a part of,” he said. “You could feel the somber atmosphere, and their team, we could tell they were struggling with everything going on and with what the city has been through. It was sad. It was a sad night.”

Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 32 points and 11 rebounds, but he had eight of the Wolves’ 25 turnovers, highlighting their struggles throughout the game.

Players Grapple with the Situation

Moses Moody, who contributed 19 points and eight rebounds in the win, said he didn’t want to watch the video of Pretti being shot. However, he and the team had discussed the events in the city upon arriving on Friday.

“It’s tough being here, up close and personal, with everything going on,” Moody said. “Preparing for a game and just being in it yesterday, it’s definitely heavy.”

Moody could see the protests that drew thousands to the streets of Minneapolis on Friday night. After the game was postponed on Saturday, he felt the “weight of the city” in the crowd during Sunday’s game.

Brandin Podziemski noted that unlike typical off days, the players engaged in “a lot of activities indoors … being amongst ourselves with stuff being outside, trying to stay inside.” Both Moody and Podziemski, who added 12 points, mentioned the anti-ICE chants echoing around the arena before and during the game. However, neither expressed an opinion on the situation.

“Not much energy, as expected, and people voicing their opinions about what’s going on,” Podziemski said. “It was pretty dead.”

Looking Ahead

Curry, who is questionable for tomorrow’s game due to a sore knee, expressed hope that Minneapolis will move past this turbulent period. “Hopefully, the community comes together and the right decisions are made so there’s more of a peaceful environment here,” he said.