Tensions in the NBA remained elevated on Monday night, February 9, as another violent incident occurred during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ home game against the Atlanta Hawks at Minneapolis’ Target Center. The scuffle involved Timberwolves center Naz Reid and Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye, escalating quickly before officials intervened to restore order. This altercation added to the recent surge in physical confrontations across the league as both teams competed fiercely.
Sequence Leading to the Altercation Between Reid and Gueye
The fight erupted early in the fourth quarter with 11:52 still on the clock, as the Hawks were trailing Minnesota by a score of 106–87 and attempting to halt the Timberwolves’ strong momentum. Following a physical screen play, Reid reacted to an apparent shove from behind by Gueye. The two exchanged words before grabbing each other’s jerseys, prompting teammates from both sides to rush toward the scene in an attempt to separate them. Despite efforts to de-escalate, the push-and-pull persisted until referees fully broke up the altercation and ejected both players after reviewing the incident.
Consequences and Game Impact Following the Fight
The ejections marked the third career ejection for Naz Reid. At the time of removal, Reid had played just over 21 minutes, contributing seven points on 3-of-8 shooting along with six rebounds and two assists. Gueye, who logged approximately 19 minutes before being ejected, finished his night with 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including a successful three-point attempt. The NBA has yet to announce whether Reid will face any suspension arising from this confrontation.
Despite the disruption, the Timberwolves maintained control of the game, ultimately securing a 138–116 victory. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota’s offense with 30 points, while Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert each added 18 points to support the team’s balanced scoring effort. Prior to the game, the Hawks held a 26–28 record and were aiming to rebound after a loss to the Charlotte Hornets; however, this defeat marked their second consecutive loss. Minnesota improved to 32–22, snapping a two-game skid and bringing their record to 2–3 over the past five games.
Implications for Team Standings and Upcoming Matchup
With this win, the Timberwolves continue their quest to solidify a playoff position, remaining sixth in the standings as the season progresses. Their next challenge will be against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, February 11, where Minnesota looks to build upon this momentum and improve their standing further. The aggressive episodes involving Naz Reid and others highlight the increasingly physical nature of recent NBA contests, underscoring the league’s heightened atmosphere during crunch time.
FIGHT NIGHT pic.twitter.com/vCMjHCWj7v
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) February 10, 2026
FIGHT NIGHT pic.twitter.com/vCMjHCWj7v
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) February 10, 2026
