The NBA made the rare decision to postpone a nationally televised matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves, originally scheduled for Saturday, citing the need to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community.” The move came in the wake of a fatal shooting involving federal agents just two miles from the Target Center-marking the third such incident, and second death, involving federal authorities in the city this month.
With tensions high and protests spreading throughout Minneapolis, the league opted to reschedule the game for Sunday. It’s a decision rooted in public safety, but one that’s also sparked strong reactions across the sports world-particularly on social media.
Veteran analyst Jason Whitlock weighed in with a cryptic tweet: “This is all orchestrated.” He later doubled down by responding to ESPN’s coverage of the postponement with another pointed remark: “Propaganda League.” Whitlock didn’t elaborate on his comments, but they stirred plenty of conversation online, with fans debating the league’s motivations and timing.
Regardless of the commentary, the Warriors and Timberwolves are now set to face off twice in two days-Sunday and again on Monday-both games at the Target Center. That back-to-back stretch could have implications for rotations and rest, especially for veteran-heavy Golden State.
Barkley: “Steph is the biggest loser” in Warriors’ current struggles
Meanwhile, the conversation around the Warriors extends far beyond the rescheduling drama. With the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, Golden State is facing some hard truths-and Charles Barkley didn’t hold back in his assessment of where things stand.
“The biggest loser in the whole thing is Steph,” Barkley said during Saturday’s Inside the NBA. “They were not contenders now.
Now Steph is gonna finish the last part of his career on a mediocre team. And that’s the thing that’s disheartening about it.”
It’s a harsh reality check for a franchise that came into the season with championship aspirations. But those hopes have been clouded by internal tension and injuries.
Jonathan Kuminga’s frustration with his role has been well-documented, and the trade rumors surrounding the young forward have only intensified. Compounding matters is the loss of Jimmy Butler to a season-ending injury-an unexpected blow to the team’s depth and defensive identity.
Golden State is now in a familiar, but uncomfortable position: trying to retool on the fly while still maximizing what’s left of Steph Curry’s prime. The pressure is on the front office to make something happen before the deadline-whether it’s flipping Kuminga for a more established contributor or finding a way to replace Butler’s production.
The clock is ticking, and the Warriors are walking a tightrope. They’re not out of the playoff picture, but they’re also not the force they once were. And for a player like Curry-who’s given everything to this franchise-the idea of finishing his career in mediocrity is a tough pill to swallow.
There’s still time to shift the narrative. But it’s going to take bold moves and a clear vision. The next two weeks could define the Warriors’ season-and possibly the final chapter of Steph Curry’s legendary run in the Bay.