The Minnesota Timberwolves are facing a troubling incident following their recent playoff victory over the Golden State Warriors. During Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 8, 2025, a fan directed "racially charged comments" at Warriors forward Draymond Green, prompting the Timberwolves to launch an investigation into the matter.
In a statement released on May 9, the Timberwolves confirmed that while one fan was ejected for violating the NBA Fan Code of Conduct, another individual, identified by surrounding patrons as having made the racial comments, left the arena before security could confirm their identity. The incident occurred during the fourth quarter of the game, which ended in a 117-93 win for the Timberwolves, leveling the series at one game apiece.
Green's frustrations were palpable following the game, as he addressed the media about the perception of him being portrayed as an "angry Black man." He stated, "I'm sick of the agenda to make me look like the angry Black man. I'm a very successful, educated Black man with a great family, and I'm great at basketball. The agenda to try to keep making me look like an angry Black man is crazy. It's ridiculous." His comments reflect a deeper concern about how he is perceived both on and off the court.
The incident has drawn significant attention, especially given the ongoing conversations about race and behavior in sports. The Timberwolves reiterated their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, stating, "Racist, hateful, or threatening behavior has no place at our games or in our community and will not be tolerated under any circumstances." This commitment is crucial as the league continues to grapple with issues of fan behavior and player treatment.
During the game, Green also faced scrutiny for his actions on the court, where he received his fifth technical foul of the playoffs after an altercation with Timberwolves center Naz Reid. This foul came after Reid fouled Green, leading to Green elbowing Reid in the face, which resulted in a technical foul. With two more technicals, Green faces a mandatory one-game suspension, adding to the pressure he faces during this playoff run.
Despite the controversy surrounding Green, the Timberwolves capitalized on the absence of Warriors star Stephen Curry, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 24 points and 11 assists, while Anthony Edwards contributed 20 points. The Timberwolves' performance marked a significant improvement from their Game 1 loss, as they tripled their three-point output, going 16 for 37 from beyond the arc.
The Warriors struggled offensively, scoring just 15 points in the first quarter, their lowest playoff score since the 2016 NBA Finals. Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the team's challenges without Curry, stating, "We have to figure out what we’re going to be able to do in this series without Steph. So we gave a lot of people a lot of chances, and some guys really stepped up." Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis provided some offensive spark for the Warriors, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Timberwolves' strong performance.
As the series heads to Game 3 on May 10, the stakes are high for both teams. The Timberwolves will look to build on their momentum, while the Warriors will need to regroup and find a way to adapt to their current roster without their star player. Green's situation, both on and off the court, will undoubtedly be a focal point as the series continues.
In the aftermath of this incident, the Timberwolves have pledged to continue their investigation and take appropriate action based on their findings. The league's response to fan behavior and the ongoing discussions about race in sports will likely shape the narrative as the playoffs progress.
With the series tied and tensions rising, the upcoming games promise to be filled with drama, both in play and in the stands. As fans prepare to support their teams, the hope is for a respectful and inclusive atmosphere that allows the players to focus on the game.
