A Heated Exchange Overshadows Timberwolves-Knicks Preseason Game

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ guard, Donte DiVincenzo, found himself at the center of a heated altercation with Knicks’ assistant coach Rick Brunson following the Knicks’ 115-110 triumph in the preseason showdown on Sunday night. This marked DiVincenzo’s first appearance at Madison Square Garden since his trade from New York.

On-Court Confrontation Between DiVincenzo and Brunson

Following the final whistle, players and coaching staff from both sides were engaged in customary handshakes and hugs. However, DiVincenzo and Rick Brunson, father of Knicks’ standout player Jalen Brunson, had a brief, tense verbal exchange on the Garden court.

DiVincenzo was captured on camera speaking to Brunson, saying, “I was talking to Thibs.” This confrontation came after DiVincenzo’s on-court shouting towards the Knicks’ sideline while he was at the free-throw line.

DiVincenzo’s Postgame Remarks

After the game, DiVincenzo, who ended the game with an impressive 15 points and seven assists, refused to disclose the details of his sideline exchange and suggested that he was sharing an inside joke with Knicks’ coach Tom Thibodeau. Regarding his postgame altercation with Rick Brunson, he opted not to comment, expressing a preference to address the matter privately.

Star Players’ Return Overshadowed

The incident involving DiVincenzo somewhat eclipsed the much-anticipated return of four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns and two-time All-NBA forward Julius Randle to the Garden. Towns, playing against his former team for the first time after a nine-season stint, managed 16 points and 16 rebounds. Meanwhile, Randle, on the mend from a right shoulder surgery, did not feature in the game.

During the first timeout, the Knicks organization played a tribute video for Randle and DiVincenzo on the arena’s jumbotron.

DiVincenzo, who set a franchise record for most 3-pointers in a season during his time with the Knicks, was a crucial part of the previous season’s team. His collegiate career at Villanova saw him play alongside Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, all of whom are currently Knicks players.

DiVincenzo’s Relationship with the Brunsons

Jalen Brunson was seen comforting DiVincenzo during the postgame altercation, a testament to their strong bond. When questioned about the incident between his father and DiVincenzo, Jalen said, “It was words of affirmation.” He was previously seen arm-in-arm with DiVincenzo, who was a groomsman at his wedding.

DiVincenzo spoke on his relationship with Jalen, describing him as his “brother and best friend.” He iterated his intention to discuss their relationship privately.

Praise for DiVincenzo’s Competitive Spirit

Anthony Edwards, star player for the Timberwolves, applauded DiVincenzo’s competitive spirit and aggressive gameplay. “You can’t be mad at him, man,” Edwards said, discussing DiVincenzo’s performance. “He makes all the right plays and shoots the cover off the ball. New York is definitely going to miss him.”

Other Timberwolves players also shared their emotional rollercoaster throughout the night. Edwards referred to Towns as his “brother,” while the Timberwolves coach Chris Finch admitted that it would take time to adjust to seeing Towns in a different uniform. “It’s like a death in the family in some ways,” Finch said. “Once we get started, it’ll be business as usual.”