As the Timberwolves ran out onto the Target Center floor for pre-game warmups ahead of Thursday’s win over the Thunder, they all did so sporting black warm-up shirts that read “Stand with Minnesota” in response to this month’s tragic losses of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, who were both shot to death by federal immigration officers.

“We’re just having our city’s back,” Wolves wing Jaden McDaniels said. “The stuff we’re going through right now, it’s hard for everyone, not just the people outside. Making sure we can show our support in any way.”

The team put out a statement on behalf of the players that read:

“We, the Minnesota Timberwolves players, extend our sincere sympathies and love to everyone across the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota who has been affected by the recent tragic events impacting our communities. Minnesota is strongest when we uplift and support one another, and there is no room for hatred or division across our great state or among all who live here.

“We mourn the lives lost and send strength, peace and compassion to all who are hurting. We believe in the resilience, unity and care that defines Minnesotans and brings our communities together in times of hardship and need.”

The shirts and statement both echoed similar sentiments to what players had shared over the past week — nothing divisive or political, but rather their support for the community they both live in and love.

“Since I’ve been a rookie, the people have embraced me, always wanted to see me succeed,” McDaniels said. “Just giving back (to the community), showing my face is always pretty cool. It’s pretty fun for me as well just meeting high school kids, younger kids. Every year, there’s always a kid I’ve seen or met before, so it’s not like it’s brand new to me. It’s kind of like having a family outside of my family.”

“I like to call it one love, because everybody is so supportive of each other,” Naz Reid said. “They were supportive of me when I came in. Nobody knew who I was, and everybody was so supportive of how hard that I worked. I can only imagine what it looks like from the outside looking in. The support system is huge here, and it’s always, always been love. … Just going into the outside world, people always dedicate themselves to one another, they care for each other so much. Being here for seven years, I feel like this is home away from home. I’ve always felt love here. I want to try to give as much love as I can back to the city.”

“Man, I just love Minnesota, all the love and support that they show me,” Anthony Edwards said. “So I’m behind with whatever they with.”

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