Donte DiVincenzo’s first game back at Madison Square Garden since his trade was far from smooth, ending in both a preseason loss and a tense exchange with Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson. Following a tight 115-110 game that extended the Knicks’ undefeated preseason streak, tempers flared, with video footage revealing that DiVincenzo’s real frustration was directed not at Brunson, but at Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau.
The drama unfolded after DiVincenzo’s impressive and-one floater, when he appeared to shout, “Can’t finish, right Thibs?”—a jab at his former coach. Rick Brunson, watching from the sidelines, intervened, calling out, “Donte, that was some sucker sh*t,” which led to a heated exchange. DiVincenzo responded, “I was talking to Thibs… you wanna bring it out here for the camera?” The confrontation continued until both were separated, and while the Knicks walked away with the win, the interaction left fans divided over whether Brunson, at 52, showed restraint or fueled the altercation unnecessarily.
This incident comes after a blockbuster trade that sent DiVincenzo and Julius Randle out in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns, a move that seemingly left DiVincenzo with a chip on his shoulder. With tensions running high and the video circulating online, fans and analysts alike are questioning the impact this drama will have as both DiVincenzo and the Knicks head into the new season.
