The preseason might just be warming up, but Donte DiVincenzo and Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson turned up the heat in the Timberwolves vs. Knicks game on Sunday night. Despite the Knicks taking home a close win at 115-110, the post-game drama eclipsed the final score as DiVincenzo and Brunson Sr. engaged in what looked like a tense exchange that had everyone talking.
For some context: DiVincenzo, who was part of the trade that brought Karl-Anthony Towns to New York, seemed to make a statement against his former squad, delivering a strong performance on the court. At one point, DiVincenzo didn’t hesitate to call out his old team from the free-throw line, reportedly saying, “That’s what happens when they let you run the show.” This bold jab quickly made waves on social media, where fans couldn’t get enough of the former Knick showing his edge.
Post-game, cameras captured an intense moment between DiVincenzo and Brunson Sr., father of Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson Sr. appeared to approach DiVincenzo, and as things seemed to heat up, players from both sides stepped in to separate them. What sparked the exchange? That’s still unclear, but the encounter showed there might be lingering tensions from DiVincenzo’s departure.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his no-nonsense style, brushed off questions about the incident, choosing instead to focus on the Knicks’ strong outlook for the season. The Knicks, with a roster featuring Karl-Anthony Towns and a hungry Jalen Brunson, are eyeing a deep playoff run after last year’s successful season.
With the preseason bringing the fireworks, fans can expect even more drama when the 2024-25 NBA season officially kicks off. Will this budding rivalry add extra fuel to their future matchups? Only time will tell, but DiVincenzo’s exchange with Brunson Sr. and the Knicks left a lasting impression heading into the regular season.
