Timberwolves Investigate Racist Incident During Game Against Warriors; Draymond Green Speaks Out
The Minnesota Timberwolves announced on Friday that they are launching an investigation after a disturbing incident involving one of their fans during Thursday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors. The incident, which took place during the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs at the Target Center in Minneapolis, has raised concerns regarding fan behavior and racial tensions in sports. According to the Timberwolves’ official statement, a fan was ejected for violating the NBA’s Fan Code of Conduct by allegedly making “racially charged” comments towards Warriors power forward Draymond Green. A second individual, identified by other fans, allegedly made similar comments but left the arena voluntarily before being identified by security.
The Timberwolves have been quick to address the situation, reaffirming their commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment at their games. In the statement posted on their PR account on X, the team emphasized that racist, hateful, or threatening behavior would not be tolerated at any time. The statement also clarified that the investigation is ongoing and that additional actions could be taken depending on the outcome. “The Timberwolves and Target Center are firmly committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and safe environment for all. Racist, hateful or threatening behavior has no place at our games or in our community, and will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the statement concluded.
The incident took place during the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal series, which saw the Timberwolves defeat the Warriors 117-93. This victory evened the series at 1-1 after Golden State won the first game. The ejection occurred after Green received his fifth technical foul during the game, a point of tension that had been building since the second quarter. In that sequence, Green, who has a history of on-court confrontations, appeared to engage in a physical altercation with Timberwolves center Naz Reid. After Reid fouled Green, Green responded by waving his arms and making contact with Reid’s face using his elbow. Such actions are often subject to league scrutiny, especially given that players who reach seven technical fouls during the playoffs are automatically suspended for a game.
In the aftermath of the incident, Green addressed the situation with reporters and expressed frustration about the way he’s been portrayed, especially in the context of his behavior during the playoffs. Green stated that the media and public had unfairly portrayed him as an “angry Black man,” a characterization he strongly rejected. “It looked like the angry Black man,” Green said. “I’m not an angry Black man. I am a very successful, educated Black man with a great family, and I am great at basketball and great at what I do.” Green further expressed his discontent, emphasizing that the portrayal of him as a villain was part of a larger “agenda” aimed at tarnishing his image. “The agenda to try to keep making me look like an angry Black man is crazy. I’m sick of it. It’s ridiculous,” Green added.
The controversy surrounding the incident only intensified as the investigation into the fan’s behavior gained traction. The ejection, the accusations, and Green’s vocal response sparked widespread discussions about race, bias, and the way athletes, particularly those from marginalized communities, are perceived by the media and fans. Green’s comments resonated deeply with many who felt that athletes of color, especially those with outspoken personalities, are often unfairly scrutinized for their behavior.
The incident occurred in the midst of a highly competitive game that had already been marked by significant drama. With Golden State’s star guard, Stephen Curry, sidelined due to a strained left hamstring, the Warriors found themselves shorthanded and struggling to keep pace with the Timberwolves. Despite Curry’s absence, the Warriors fought hard, but Minnesota’s dominant performance, led by key players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, helped secure the decisive win. The absence of Curry, who is widely considered one of the best players in the NBA, undoubtedly had a major impact on the Warriors’ strategy and execution.
While the Timberwolves celebrated their victory, the racial controversy involving Green and the fan behavior overshadowed the triumph, drawing attention away from the athletic spectacle. In response to the incident, the Golden State Warriors also spoke out, with head coach Steve Kerr condemning the fan behavior and calling the situation “ugly and unacceptable.” Kerr expressed his gratitude toward the Timberwolves for their swift response and acknowledged the importance of taking firm action in addressing such issues. Kerr’s statement underscored the importance of maintaining respect and decency in the world of sports, where emotions often run high, but where respect for athletes and fellow fans must always come first.
The investigation into the incident continued on Thursday, as the Timberwolves worked to identify the second fan who had left the arena before being apprehended by security. Police were not immediately involved in the matter, and the situation was handled by the team’s security personnel, who swiftly acted to remove the offending fan from the premises. However, the fact that another individual was able to escape before identification raised concerns about the effectiveness of the team’s security measures and prompted discussions about how to handle similar situations moving forward.
As the Timberwolves and the Warriors prepare for Game 3 in San Francisco, the atmosphere surrounding the series has been charged with emotion and controversy. The incident involving Green and the ejection of the fan is a stark reminder of the challenges that athletes of color face, not only on the court but also in navigating the complexities of race, media portrayal, and fan behavior. Green’s statements about the racial profiling he’s endured in his career are not unique but instead part of a larger, ongoing conversation about race and sports.
As Game 3 approaches, both teams will likely be focused on putting the off-court drama behind them and concentrating on the task at hand—winning the series. However, the impact of this incident will likely be felt long after the final buzzer sounds. For Draymond Green, the challenge remains not only to compete at the highest level but also to overcome the racial stereotypes and biases that have plagued his career. The Timberwolves, for their part, have a responsibility to ensure that their fans adhere to the principles of respect and inclusion, and that any future incidents of this nature are met with swift and decisive action.
As the postseason continues, both teams are set to face more intense competition, both on and off the court. The incident involving Green has brought to light the often-overlooked racial dynamics within sports, highlighting the need for continued efforts to promote equality and fairness. For now, the focus remains on the games ahead, but the lessons learned from this situation will no doubt continue to shape the conversations around sports, race, and respect in the years to come.
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