Timberwolves Take the Floor with a Message: “Stand With Minnesota”
On Thursday night in Minneapolis, basketball wasn’t the only thing on the minds of the Timberwolves. As they took the court for their matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team delivered a clear, unified message - one that reached far beyond the hardwood.
Wearing black warmup shirts emblazoned with “Stand With Minnesota,” the Timberwolves used their platform to speak directly to their community. The gesture came amid a tense and emotional stretch in the Twin Cities, where federal immigration enforcement actions have led to the deaths of two American citizens and ignited widespread protests. The fallout has gripped the region, sparking a heated standoff between local and federal officials and leaving many Minnesotans grappling with grief, frustration, and uncertainty.
Before the opening tip of the nationally televised game, the Timberwolves released a statement on behalf of the entire roster - a rare and powerful move that underscored just how deeply the recent events have impacted the team.
“We, the Minnesota Timberwolves players, extend our sincere sympathies and love to everyone across the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota who has been affected by the recent tragic events impacting our communities,” the statement read. “Minnesota is strongest when we uplift and support one another, and there is no room for hatred or division across our great state or among all who live here.
“We mourn the lives lost and send strength, peace and compassion to all who are hurting. We believe in the resilience, unity and care that define Minnesotans, and bring our communities together in times of hardship and need.”
This wasn’t the first time the Timberwolves had acknowledged the tragedies. Earlier this month, they held moments of silence before two separate games - one for Renee Good, who was killed on January 7, and another for Alex Pretti, whose death just days ago led the NBA to postpone Minnesota’s scheduled game against the Golden State Warriors. But Thursday marked the first time the team took a collective, visible stand - not just with words, but with action.
Jaden McDaniels, who poured in 21 points in the Wolves’ 123-111 win, summed it up simply but powerfully after the game.
“We’re just having our city’s back,” McDaniels said. “The stuff we’re going through right now, it’s hard for everyone, not just the people outside. Making sure we can show our support in any way.”
In a league where players are increasingly using their voices to advocate for their communities, the Timberwolves’ message was clear: basketball is just part of who they are. When Minnesota hurts, they hurt. And when Minnesota needs strength, they’re ready to stand tall - together.
This moment wasn’t about wins or stats. It was about solidarity, compassion, and connection. And on a night when the Timberwolves delivered on the court, it was their presence off it that resonated most.