“You never want to see that”: Julius Randle speaks from heart as Minnesota Timberwolves play through grief after Alex Pretti shooting

After the postponement of their game against the Golden State Warriors the previous day, the Minnesota Timberwolves returned to the court. However, they were distracted due to an unfortunate event. This occurred after the shooting of Alex Pretti, 37, at the hands of a federal police.

Players and Timberwolves coach Chris Finch acknowledged the team's sadness and the community's anxiety following the tragedy. While talking about it, his voice broke. The loss of the 37-year-old ICU nurse after his deadly encounter with federal investigators in Minneapolis on Saturday prompted many in the NBA community to share their thoughts. Player Julius Randle also opened up about it.

Randle’s raw reaction and team’s heartbreak cast shadow over Timberwolves performance

Randle, who scored 11 points, didn't hold back when expressing his feelings on Pretti's death. As per his representative, he stated:

“Regardless of politics, there’s a human aspect to it, for me… I have kids, I have family, for me the job as a man is to be the protector of the house… You see things like that and obviously, it’s tough, it’s hard to stomach things like that… regardless of whatever’s going on, when somebody loses their life, you never want to see that."

He continued:

"From the minute I’ve been here, Minneapolis has been great for me; the fans and the community have been really behind me. Everybody, neighbors, the community I live in, the school my son goes to, just everything, it’s been nothing but a joy since I've been here, so (pauses) it’s tough."




Before the game began, the Timberwolves observed a moment of silence for Pretti. Additionally, coach Finch also acknowledged that he was in pain at the hands of federal authorities. Finch rarely showed much emotion in his public remarks and took a direct approach, but it was obvious that the situation had affected him.

Pretti's death on Saturday caused a 24-hour postponement of the Timberwolves vs. Warriors game. After the game, he said:

"I'm more than a resident. This is my home.. I love living here. I love being a part of this community. I've been embraced from day one. People have been amazing. It's sad to watch what is happening. On the human level, certainly as somebody who takes great pride in being here, I know a lot of our players feel the same. They all love being here, and it's just hard to watch what we're going through."

Grief in Minneapolis overshadowed the game as the Timberwolves struggled through an emotional night

Meanwhile, not just Timberwolves’ players, but Warriors also opened up about it. Star Steph Curry stated after the game:

“It was like three straight hours… In negative 10-degree weather. It was beautiful to see that turnout. That speaks to how important people felt to have their voice heard. In those elements and whatever streets outside our hotel, they were out, and it was amazing to watch.”

Steve Kerr, the coach of the Warriors, stated that he believed it was impossible for the players and supporters to concentrate on the court. Following Sunday's 111-85 victory, Kerr said:

"Their group was suffering. The vibe in the stands, it was one of the most bizarre, sad games I've ever been a part of.. You could feel the somber atmosphere. Their team, you could tell they were struggling with everything that's been going on and what the city has been through."

Just as they did for Renee Good before their game on January 8, the day after she was shot and killed by a federal police, the Timberwolves held a minute of silence for Pretti before the playing of the national anthem.



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