"I was worried justice wouldn't be served" - Karl-Anthony Towns and other Minnesota Timberwolves players react to Derek Chauvin's conviction
Tuesday, April 20 was a huge day for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the city of Minneapolis in general. The trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin came to a conclusion and the jury found him guilty on three counts: second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were in Sacramento at the time of the announcement of the verdict earlier today, preparing for their game against the Kings. The players, however, did take inspiration from the landmark judgment and recorded a 134-120 win on the night.
Minnesota Timberwolves players react to the Derek Chauvin judgment
Karl-Anthony Towns was among several players who spoke about Tuesday's verdict after the game in Sacramento. He expressed his concern at not knowing whether justice would be served at all.
"I didn't know what was going to happen." Towns said. "I was worried for our community. I was worried justice wouldn't be served."
Justice was eventually served for George Floyd but Towns is now looking forward to the bigger picture.
Josh Okogie put up an incredible two-way effort in the Minnesota Timberwolves' matchup against the Sacramento Kings. He contributed 10 points and chipped in with a block as the Timberwolves secured a comfortable win.
Okogie declared after the game that the team has decided to dedicate this win to George Floyd and his family.
Okogie then chimed in with his opinion on the much-celebrated verdict.
"A lot of people call it justice. For me it’s more accountability more than anything. To me if justice was really served, George Floyd would still be here today."
The Minnesota Timberwolves later released footage of head coach Chris Finch speaking to the players in the locker room about the game and the judgment. Wolves president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas reacted to the same, demanding justice for all.
It was quite certainly a historic night in Minneapolis and the Minnesota Timberwolves capped it off with a well-earned win. The verdict in the George Floyd case has brought people together and we can only hope that it plays a vital role in curbing social and racial injustice.
Also read: Brooklyn Nets' Landry Shamet speaks about the Derek Chauvin judgment in his post-match interview