SHOCK!!! Donte DiVincenzo Unexpected Clash With Coach Cuasing Serious Controversy

October 14, 2024 Admin New York Knicks 0

Donte DiVincenzo returned to Madison Square Garden for the first time after being traded by the New York Knicks to the Minnesota Timberwolves during the preseason, as he watched his former team win 115-110. During the game, DiVincenzo was seen engaging in playful trash talk with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau while at the free-throw line and also exchanged words with assistant coach Rick Brunson.

Clarifying what happened, DiVincenzo explained that he was teasing Thibodeau about his finishing ability, not about the trade.

“I wasn’t thanking him for the trade. It was just about a finish. I was joking with Thibs about not being able to finish. I wasn’t talking about the trade. It’s all good,” he said.

When asked about his interaction with Rick Brunson, DiVincenzo chose not to elaborate, saying, “Just words, I don’t know. I don’t really have a comment on the situation. We’ll talk about it privately.”

 

Donte DiVincenzo’s return to Madison Square Garden was eventful, as he faced his former team, the New York Knicks, in a preseason game. The Timberwolves lost 115-110, but the attention was on DiVincenzo’s interactions on the court, particularly with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau and assistant coach Rick Brunson. DiVincenzo, a close friend of Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson from their Villanova days, clarified that his relationship with Jalen is separate from any issues with Rick.

 

 

The situation started during the first quarter, when DiVincenzo was seen trash-talking Thibodeau at the free-throw line. Many fans misinterpreted his words, thinking he was thanking Thibodeau for trading him, with phrases like “Thank you for the trade, Thibs” catching their attention. DiVincenzo, however, explained that he was joking about his ability to finish and denied making any comments about the trade.

 

Donte DiVincenzo Opens Up On His Trash-Talk With Tom Thibodeau And Beef With Jalen Brunson's Father - Fadeaway World

 

After the game, DiVincenzo had a tense exchange with Rick Brunson, which led to a brief on-court altercation that had to be diffused. When asked about it, DiVincenzo chose not to delve into details, saying he would discuss it privately with Brunson. He emphasized that his friendship with Jalen Brunson remains strong, calling him his “brother” and separating that relationship from any issues with Rick.

 

DiVincenzo contributed 15 points and seven assists in the game, despite missing the presence of former Knicks teammate Julius Randle, who has yet to debut for the Timberwolves. According to Ian Begley, DiVincenzo was reportedly unhappy with the idea of accepting a sixth-man role after the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges. He had a standout season with New York, averaging 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 40.1% from three-point range.

 

 

The acquisition of Bridges and the re-signing of OG Anunoby likely reduced DiVincenzo’s role, which reportedly didn’t sit well with him. This led to the Knicks reconsidering his inclusion in the trade for Karl-Anthony Towns. The deal ultimately brought Towns to New York, providing them with elite big-man play. While DiVincenzo’s comments suggest no major issues with Thibodeau, his altercation with Rick Brunson hints at possible tension.

The Timberwolves and Knicks will only meet twice during the regular season, so while a rivalry may not fully develop, these interactions are certainly something to watch—especially if the two teams cross paths in the playoffs.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*