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    Nets vs. Timberwolves Postponed After Police Killing of Daunte Wright

    Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVApril 12, 2021

    MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 10: A generic basketball photo the NBA logo on seats in the arena before the Oklahoma City Thunder game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 10, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
    Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images

    Monday's game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Brooklyn Nets that was scheduled to take place at the Target Center has been postponed in the wake of the fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright:

    NBA Communications @NBAPR

    The following has been announced by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/ocg1DCPU6C

    Malika Andrews @malika_andrews

    Timberwolves statement: “Yesterday’s tragic event, involving the life of Daunte Wright, once again leaves our community mourning. After consultation with the League, and local and state officials, we believe postponing tonight’s game versus the Brooklyn Nets is the best decision”

    Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium first reported the news.

    ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the game could be played Tuesday with both teams not scheduled to play again until Wednesday.

    The Minnesota Twins announced their game against the Boston Red Sox scheduled for Monday was also postponed. The NHL also postponed the Minnesota Wild's game against the St. Louis Blues, rescheduling the game for May 12.

    "Out of respect for the tragic events that occurred yesterday in Brooklyn Center, and following the additional details in this evolving situation, the Minnesota Twins have decided it is in the best interests of our fans, staff, players and community to not play today's game," the Twins' announcement said. "... The Minnesota Twins organization extends its sympathies to the family of Daunte Wright."

    A police officer shot and killed Wright, a Black man, during a traffic stop in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center on Sunday.

    Adrienne Broaddus, Holly Yan, Keith Allen and Hollie Silverman of CNN reported on the killing, noting police released bodycam footage Monday. An officer was heard shouting, "Taser! Taser! Taser!" before firing a gun and then saying, "Holy s--t, I shot him."

    Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon called the shooting "an accidental discharge that resulted in the tragic death of Mr. Wright."

    The fatal shooting happened amid the ongoing murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

    Chauvin is charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the May 2020 killing of George Floyd. Video showed Chauvin holding his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes despite pleas from Floyd saying he could not breathe.

    Floyd's death led to worldwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism.