Photo courtesy of @kare11 on Twitter
The game between the Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs in Mexico City was postponed Wednesday night after the arena hosting the event filled with smoke.
The smoke poured into the arena from a malfunctioned generator outside the arena, according to the Pioneer Press. Wolves play-by-play announcer Dave Benz posted video on Instragram of fans being ushered out of the smoke-filled arena.
NBA statement: Wolves-Spurs game cancelled. Game will be made up at Target Center at a to be determined date.
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) December 5, 2013
The game is part of the NBA’s Global Game Series.
Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune has been following the team in Mexico City, and was tweeting updates as the situation developed. It all started approximately 45 minutes before the game was scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. Central Time.
Power outage in arena, reports of smoke and fire in arena. I've been told to leave building. We'll see what happens…
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) December 5, 2013
Wolves were being rounded up in their locker room and told to get out of arena. Saw Love and Pek grabbing some stuff but didn't stick around
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) December 5, 2013
Wolves being rounded back onto buses, arena being evacuated
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) December 5, 2013
Pop and Adelman leaving arena toward buses together pic.twitter.com/QrSD7nBTRf
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) December 5, 2013
Wolves CEO chris wright says earliest arena could be readied is 1015 pm. Other option tomorrow nite, neither seems likely
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) December 5, 2013
Just overheard Spurs team doctors say no way to playing in arena tonight, seems like teams will push back hard on playing tonight
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) December 5, 2013
Humor in the disappointing outcome can be found in a single tweet from KSTP sports anchor Joe Schmit.
https://twitter.com/joe_schmit/status/408425600370499584
