NBA-Warriors’ Kerr describes ‘somber’ atmosphere in win over Timberwolves

Jan 26 (Reuters) – Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Sunday’s 111-85 win at the Minnesota Timberwolves was played in a somber atmosphere following the fatal shooting of an ICU nurse in Minneapolis a day earlier.

The game had been postponed from Saturday after a federal agent shot and killed Alex Pretti. It was the second shooting death this month by federal officers in Minneapolis.

“Honestly, what I felt was that their group (Timberwolves) was suffering,” Kerr told reporters. “It was one of the most bizarre, sad games I’ve ever been a part of. You could feel the somber atmosphere.

“Their team, we could tell they were struggling with everything that’s been going on. And what the city has been through. So it was a very sad night.”

The teams meet again on Monday and Kerr said the Warriors were grateful for the hospitality they received amid a difficult period for the community.

“We are just praying for the city and for the people here,” he said.

“We are very appreciative and thankful for the hospitality they have given us.

“I think we all feel a sense of empathy for what they are going through.”

(Reporting by David Grip in Washington DC & Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)