Anthony Edwards’ Post Game Statement
After his team’s loss on Sunday, Edwards was asked for his message to the Minnesota community. His response was heartfelt and supportive, though notably focused on community support over politics:
- Message of Support: “I just love Minnesota, all the love and support that they show me, so I’m behind them. I’m behind whatever they with.”
- Personal Connection: He emphasized his appreciation for how the community has embraced him.
- Acknowledged Limited Awareness: He explained, “I don’t really have social media so I’m not in tune with everything. I’ve heard about the stuff going on”, indicating he was not following the day-to-day details closely.
- Personal Prayer: He concluded by stating, “Me and my family are definitely praying for everyone”.
The Unprecedented Atmosphere
Edwards’ comments came after a game played under the most unusual and somber of circumstances:
- Game Postponement: The NBA had postponed the game scheduled for Saturday, January 24th, in the immediate aftermath of Alex Pretti’s death, citing the need to prioritize community safety.
- A “Bizarre, Sad” Environment: When the game was played on Sunday, the atmosphere at the Target Center was far from normal.
- Moments of Silence: Before the game, the Timberwolves held a moment of silence for Alex Pretti, as they had done for Renee Good earlier in the month. These moments were reportedly punctuated by chants from the crowd.
A Broader Community Response
The Timberwolves organization and the broader sports world responded in various ways:
- The Team’s Stance: Head Coach Chris Finch spoke emotionally before the game, stating the organization was “heartbroken” and that “playing basketball just didn’t feel like the right thing to do” on Saturday.
- Players’ Association: The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) issued a strong statement saying players “can no longer remain silent” and must “stand in solidarity” with the people of Minnesota.
- Wider Solidarity: The Timberwolves joined Minnesota’s other major pro sports teams in signing an open letter from local CEOs calling for de-escalation and cooperation between officials.
I hope this provides a clear and detailed overview. Would you be interested in learning more about the specific athletic responses from other players like Breanna Stewart or Karl Anthony Towns?
