As demonstrated at the New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game, the intensity and heat of the regular season are already being felt even though we are in the preseason.
Donte DiVincenzo, a former New York Knicks player who was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves along with Julius Randle for Karl-Anthony Towns just a few weeks ago, spent a large portion of the game arguing, joking, and telling the Knicks bench that they were wrong to send him to another team. This was in contrast to the players and coaches shaking hands and hugging after the Knicks’ 115-110 victory.
Donte DiVincenzo and his beef with Rick Brunson
The most heated moment, however, occurred at the end of the game when DiVincenzo and Rick Brunson, the assistant coach and father of Knicks star Jalen Brunson, confronted each other and the players had to separate them. Given the tension that a preseason game creates, let the season start if that’s how things are going.
Here it is, clear as day.
Donte DiVincenzo’s explanation after the game, and the correct captioning of his interaction with the Knicks bench. pic.twitter.com/qPiZWiNDJa
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 14, 2024
DiVincenzo was Jalen Brunson’s best man at his wedding, and despite the problem, Donte and Brunson are close friends. Donte indicated he had no issues and will speak with Brunson’s father later. Donte must be furious because he was left out of the newly created “Nova Knicks,” so it was only a moment of passion.
DiVincenzo, a vital member of the Knicks team from the previous season who broke the franchise record for 3-pointers in a season and helped the team finish second in the conference, was sacrificed to improve the team with the acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns. The Knicks offseason had started with the addition of Mikal Bridges, who joined Villanova University teammates Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, and DiVincenzo.
