Thunder news: Chet Holmgren on the murders in his hometown of Minneapolis

Oklahoma. and home – Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren gave a candid statement regarding the killings of ICE agents in his hometown of Minneapolis before facing Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. Thunder head coach Marc Daigneault shared his thoughts during the pregame media availability. After a 104-95 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Holmgren discussed the unnerving fact that homecoming will be different this time.

Holmgren, keeping politics out of his answer, bowed the devastating consequences of the murdersrevealing just how close to home it really is, he said, in a lingering depiction of a dark cloud hanging over Minneapolis.

“It’s obviously a very loaded topic. I don’t want to get into the opinions and the politics of it all, but I definitely just want to send my best wishes to everyone affected,” Holmgren said. “I have a lot of friends, family, neighbors, especially close ones in that area. My parents’ house is three blocks from where the last incident happened. I know that area well. My sisters would always get donuts from the donut shop on that street.

“My grandfather’s favorite Greek restaurant is on that street. Everything is very close. So when you see that happen it definitely takes you back. You never want to see something like that happen. I definitely think we’re too advanced as a species – plain and simple – for that kind of thing to happen. Regardless of your opinion or beliefs. You should agree that no one should be on the street.”

Holmgren reiterated that while he does not have all the facts about the two murders, he wishes the best for those greatly affected.

“I wasn’t there. I don’t have a full picture of everything that’s going on. So I can’t really talk about the details and what happened and what happened,” added Holmgren. “But I just feel for the families of anyone who lost their life up there. I wish everyone safety.”

Holmgren adds, “It’s all very close. So when you see it happen, it definitely takes you back. You never want to see something like that happen. I definitely think we’re too advanced as a species — plain and simple — for things like that to happen.”
Regardless of your…
— Joshua Pavon (@joe_svai) January 28, 2026

After two poor performances in consecutive defeats at home, The Thunder needed Chet Holmgren to answer bigand he didn’t disappoint, finishing with a double-double (20 points, 14 rebounds) with five blocks against the Pelicans.

Mark Daigneault comments on the murders in Minneapolis

Thunder head coach Marc Daigneault says all team meetings to reflect on the two fatal shootings in Minneapolis will remain indoors as the defending champions head north to face the Timberwolves in a rematch of the Western Conference finals.

Daigneault shared his perspective on the tragic events in Minneapolis ahead of the Thunder’s game against the Pelicans.

“Well, organizationally, manage the team, as we always do, internally. We wouldn’t go into town if there was a security risk with the league. The league would have notified us if that was the case, obviously, since then they’ve been playing games,” Daigneault said.

“I try not to comment too much, but obviously it’s a very sad, upsetting situation. It’s a great community that we’ve been going to for years. So our hearts go out to that community because they’re obviously going through that right now.”

Mark Daigneault on Minneapolis shooting ahead of Thunder trip to Minn.: “I try not to comment too much, but it’s obviously a very sad, upsetting situation out there.
It’s a great community we’ve been going to for years. So our hearts go out to that community,… pic.twitter.com/IKSVpZ7aedp
— Joshua Pavon (@joe_svai) January 27, 2026