Timberwolves dedicate game ball to Floyd family following trial verdict

The Minnesota Timberwolves dedicated the game ball from their 134-120 road win over the Sacramento Kings to George Floyd's family following Tuesday's conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on three charges for Floyd's murder last May.

Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns shared his thoughts on the verdict after the game.

"I was worried," Towns told reporters. "I was worried for our community. I was worried for if justice was going to be served. I was worried about all the family our team has, for every player, and wondering if their safety was going to be guaranteed tonight and how they would feel.

"On our team, we've got guys who have kids, who are kids of color, wondering if we're going to show them if the word 'accountability' actually lives in the world we live in today."

Towns added: "I think for all of us, we all felt that this game was bigger than basketball. This was a moment that wasn't meant for us - this was meant for our city and for George Floyd's family. I think everyone in America right now is grieving with them and sending our prayers, blessings, and love towards them."

The 25-year-old expressed hope that Tuesday's verdict would be a building block in the ongoing fight for social justice in the U.S.

"It was a day where a step towards reform was made," Towns said. "But there's a lot of work to do, and there's a lot of conversations that need to be had to make sure that this doesn't happen again - or at least try to save the next generations from having moments like this."