The Minnesota Timberwolves said they will continue to investigate an incident in which a fan was ejected for directing a racial slur at Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green during the Timberwolves’ 117-93 victory in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals, tying the best-of-seven series at a game apiece.
The team says that another fan was involved in the altercation, but left the arena before they could be identified, and that additional action may be taken as a result of the probe.
Green was riding on a stationary bike in a tunnel in the fourth quarter near the Warriors’ bench when he began arguing with a fan.
“During the fourth quarter of last night’s game against the Warriors, a fan was ejected by Target Center security for violating the NBA Fan Code of Conduct in an incident involving Draymond Green,” the Timberwolves said in a statement.
“A second individual, who was identified by surrounding patrons as making racially charged comments towards Green, left on his own before arena security could confirm his identity. The team is continuing to investigate, and additional action may be taken.”
Green, who had nine points, five assists, and four rebounds, addressed reporters in an emotional response in the locker room after the Game 2 loss.
‘I’m not an angry Black man, I’m a very successful, educated Black man with a great family,’ Green said. ‘And I’m great at basketball, I’m great at what I do. The agenda to try to keep making me look like an angry Black man is crazy. I’m sick of it, it’s ridiculous.’
Game 3 is Saturday night at the Chase Center in San Francisco.