David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks faced off for the first time since the blockbuster trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York in exchange for Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, and Keita Bates-Diop, and the game didn’t pass without its fireworks.
In the 115-110 Knicks victory, things got especially chippy between DiVincenzo and his former team in his return to Madison Square Garden.
After a video surfaced that appeared to show DiVincenzo tell his former bench, “Thank you for the trade Thibs. Thank you for the trade… that’s what happens when they let you run the show. That’s what happens when they let you run the show,” it appears that there is bad-blood between DiVincenzo and the Knicks.
Timberwolves Clips @WolvesClips
“Thank you for the trade Thibs. Thank you for the trade… that’s what happens when they let you run the show. That’s what happens when they let you run the show” pic.twitter.com/9F8LD8YRLI
“Obviously they had me on video saying it,” DiVincenzo told reporters after the game. “I’m not there anymore, I play competitive, I wear my heart on my sleeve and that’s all it was.”
It did not end there for the 27-year-old out of Villanova.
Post-game, he had to be separated from Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson after the two exchanged heated words.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Donte DiVincenzo and Rick Brunson had to be separated after exchanging words 😳
This was Donte’s first game back in New York following the trade to Minnesota pic.twitter.com/CDt72FzEkH
“There’s absolutely nothing but love from my end to the organization,” DiVincenzo continued to tell reporters.
Before the game, the Knicks played a tribute video for DiVincenzo, who spent one season with the team, and Randle, who spent five.
“Them showing the video, saying thank you, including me in the video with Julius is special to me,” DiVincenzo said. “It was special.”
DiVincenzo was tied as the second leading scorer on the Timberwolves with 15 points, three rebounds and seven assists on the night.
The Timberwolves will travel to Chicago on Wednesday to face the Bulls as the opening night of the 2024-2025 season nears.
Read the full article here