Former teammates Donte DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson were prepared for their preseason game against each other. The Minnesota Timberwolves traveled to Madison Square Garden to play against the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Although DiVincenzo is good friends with Brunson, that doesn’t stop him from being extra competitive on the court. On Sunday, they played their first game against each other since being teammates for a season with the Knicks. DiVincenzo was part of the trade package that sent Julius Randle to the Wolves in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns less than two weeks ago.
While shooting a free throw, however, the two chirped at each other. Brunson was sitting on the bench and said something to his friend. DiVincenzo didn’t let it go easily as he clapped back before shooting his free throw.
“That’s what happens when they let you run the show,” DiVincenzo told his friend.
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Before the game, the two guards had a wholesome moment together. They hugged each other and talked. DiVincenzo also greeted other players like Josh Hart, who he played with at Villanova, and big man Precious Achiuwa.
In his lone season in New York, DiVincnezo had his best career season. The two-way guard played 81 games, averaging 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He also played an important role in the Knicks’ playoff run. He bumped up his numbers, averaging 17.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg and 2.6 apg.
Donte DiVincenzo has nothing but love for Knicks fans
After the trade including Donte DiVincenzo was finalized, there were rumors about his discontent with the Knicks. Mikal Bridges’ arrival reportedly would lead to a diminished role for the shooting guard, which led to him being dissatisfied.
But the Wolves guard said that the rumors were untrue and that he has nothing but love for the fanbase.
Fans thoroughly enjoyed DinVincenzo’s brief tenure with the Knicks. Even though he was there for only one season, the fan base nonetheless felt his influence. Before the game, the shooting guard spoke highly of his love for the fans.
“All the reports about that I was unhappy and this and that,” DiVincenzo said. “I talked about it, it was just untrue.
“My love for Knicks fans is through the roof. It was one of the best years of my life playing here last year. It’s something you dreamed about playing. I didn’t plan, I didn’t want, I didn’t hope to leave.”
In his only season as a Knick, DiVo became a fan favorite. Bridges’ arrival made the fans excited to see the four former Villanova teammates play for one team.
