In a poignant display of community solidarity, the Minnesota Timberwolves basketball team held a moment of silence before their Thursday night game to honour Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman fatally shot by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis.
A Community in Mourning
The solemn tribute took place at the Target Center on Thursday, 9 January 2026, prior to the Timberwolves' home clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Players from both teams gathered at midcourt as the arena fell silent in memory of Good, who was killed the previous morning following a confrontation with ICE agents on a south Minneapolis street, roughly three miles from the stadium.
Federal authorities stated the shooting occurred during an attempted enforcement action, which escalated leading an officer to fire into Good's vehicle. The incident has occurred against a backdrop of heightened ICE activity in the region, part of the Trump administration's expanded immigration crackdown.
Coach's Condolences and Community Outcry
Addressing the crowd before the game, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch acknowledged the profound impact of the tragedy. "As we all know, our community has suffered yet another unspeakable tragedy," Finch said. "We want to just convey our condolences and heartfelt wishes and prayers and thoughts to the families and loved ones and all of those that are greatly affected by what happened."
The killing has ignited significant public unrest, with protests unfolding throughout Wednesday and Thursday. Demonstrators gathered outside government buildings and marched through neighbourhoods near the shooting site. Community leaders and civil rights groups are demanding full transparency and accountability from authorities, while local officials attempt to manage escalating tensions as investigations proceed.
Basketball Provides a Distraction as Wolves Secure Win
Following the emotional pre-game tribute, the Timberwolves channeled their focus onto the court, delivering a powerful 131-122 victory over the Cavaliers for their fourth consecutive win.
Julius Randle led the scoring with an impressive 28 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, anchoring a dominant third-quarter performance that secured the game for Minnesota. He was supported by strong showings from Jaden McDaniels (26 points), Anthony Edwards (25 points), and Donte DiVincenzo, who contributed 22 points including six three-pointers. Rudy Gobert added a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell top-scored with 30 points and eight assists, supported by Sam Merrill's 22 points off the bench. Despite leading 67-63 at halftime, the Cavaliers could not withstand Minnesota's second-half surge.
The evening served as a stark reminder of the events unfolding beyond the arena walls, blending sport with a sombre reflection on a loss that continues to resonate deeply within the Minneapolis community.
