On a night charged with tension just before the NBA All-Star break, a physical confrontation unfolded during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 138-116 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Early in the fourth quarter, Naz Reid and Mo Gueye engaged in a heated dispute after Gueye appeared to shove Reid as he was setting a screen. The Timberwolves center reacted strongly, prompting a face-to-face clash that quickly escalated.
Reid grabbed a hold of Gueye’s jersey, and the two players struggled until others intervened to separate them roughly a minute later. It remained uncertain whether Reid threw a punch, but the incident was less severe than a prior brawl that involved the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets earlier that evening. Julius Randle notably helped to defuse the situation by breaking Reid’s grip on Gueye’s shirt.
Both Reid and Gueye were ejected following the altercation. However, the Timberwolves maintained control of the game throughout and secured the win comfortably despite losing the two players to disqualification.
Timberwolves Dominate Hawks Despite On-Court Incident
The Atlanta Hawks faced an uphill battle, missing their key player Jalen Johnson on the road. Minnesota capitalized on this advantage, taking a commanding 25-point lead by halftime and never relinquishing it. Seven Timberwolves players contributed double-digit scoring, spearheaded by Anthony Edwards, who tallied 30 points in the contest.
The physical incident did not alter the course of the result, as the Timberwolves cruised to victory without showing vulnerability even after Reid and Gueye’s ejections. The smooth win kept Minnesota’s momentum going as the All-Star break approached.
Implications of the Fight and Next Steps
The skirmish between Naz Reid and Mo Gueye adds to an increasingly tense atmosphere within the NBA leading up to the break, highlighting the competitive edge and frustration boiling among players. While the confrontation was curtailed before escalating further, ejections of key players can impact team dynamics and availability for upcoming games.
For the Timberwolves, maintaining composure and continuing their strong performances will be essential as they seek consistency down the stretch. Meanwhile, the Hawks will need to regroup and manage their roster carefully, especially in the absence of Jalen Johnson, as they prepare to face further challenges after the break.
ANOTHER FIGHT TONIGHT 😳
Naz Reid vs. Mo Gueye
Both players have been ejected from Timberwolves-Hawks.pic.twitter.com/n0GEKcMFJm
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 10, 2026
