



Target Center security ejected a fan in the fourth quarter of Minnesota’s Game 2 victory over Golden State for violating the NBA Fan Code of Conduct, the Timberwolves announced Friday.
A video circulated late Thursday evening of Draymond Green on an exercise bike near the on-floor tunnel exit responding to a spectator’s comments.
The team said a second person was identified by onlookers in the surrounding area as “making racially charged comments towards Green.” That man left on his own before security could confirm his identity.
The Timberwolves said they are continuing to investigate the incident, adding “additional action may be taken.”
“The Timberwolves and Target Center are firmly committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for all,” the team said in a statement. “Racist, hateful, or threatening behavior has no place at our games or in our community and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
Fans have chanted “Draymond sucks” at various points through two games at Target Center, including after Green was called for a technical foul after a review for hitting Naz Reid in the face with a flailing arm as he embellished contact to sell a foul that was called on Reid.
Green was upset with the officials’ decision to give him that technical foul, which was his fifth already this postseason.
“The agenda to continue to keep making me look like an angry black man is crazy,” Green said in the locker room after the game. “I’m sick of it. It’s ridiculous.”
But the ensuing crowd chants didn’t seem to bother Green.
That’s all part of sports, including the playoffs. It’s clear some Timberwolves fans are crossing the line with personal remarks.
Speaking to reporters Friday, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said the Timberwolves “handled that (situation) beautifully and Draymond is handling it well.”
Thursday’s incident came just two days after Game 1, in which Jimmy Butler noted fans booing every time he touched the ball didn’t bother him, but added people do need to “watch their mouth.”
“The boos, I get it, I understand,” Butler said. “Let’s just keep it at that.”
Kerr noted he would never take the words of a few and use it to define his views of a city.
“There’s just going to be individuals — sometimes they’re drunk, whatever — who cross the line,” Kerr said. “It’s unfortunate. But it doesn’t at all impact my view of Minneapolis.”