The Minnesota Timberwolves went to New York over the weekend and squared off vs the Knicks, in a preseason battle for the ages. It was the first time Donte DiVincenzo returned to Madison Square Garden since the franchise dealt him to Minnesota in an exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns .
Minnesota Timberwolves Donte DiVincenzo provides clarity
In a back-and-forth during the action, it seemed as though DiVincenzo was going at former head coach Tom Thibodeau . That wouldn’t be at all surprising, given how he rubbed some former players in Minnesota the wrong way.
But the Wolves’ new guard provided some clarity to reporters, after Minnesota defeated New York in the exhibition contest. The Athletic confirmed afterwards that he was,in fact, talking to Knicks assistant coach, Rick Brunson.
“I didn’t say thanks for the trade. It was about a finish. I was joking with (Thibodeau) about not being able to finish, giving him a hard time. I wasn’t talking to Thibs. I saw the clip. I wasn’t talking to Thibs. I didn’t say anything about the trade. So that was it.”
Donte DiVincenzo on the comments towards the Knicks bench (The Athletic)
That wasn’t where things ended though, and DiVincenzo had further words for Brunson postgame. The two needed to be separated, as their conversation got more heated. Remember, DiVincenzo and Rick’s son Jalen both played at Villanova together, too. So their history goes way back.
Speaking after the game, it’s clear that DiVicenzo is focused on what’s ahead rather than the team he left. That’s a good thing, because he is expected to be an integral piece of what the Timberwolves accomplish this year. The roster shuffling has graded out favorably, but only matters if the on-court performance follows.
“I’m not extra motivated (by the trade). It’s just the fact, take the team out of it, that I get to play in (Madison Square) Garden. I have so much love for these fans. The energy in there is absolutely amazing. That’s where the energy and motivation comes from. It has nothing to do with (the trade). I’ve been traded before. I’ve gone back to the team that I’ve played for. There’s no extra whatever on top of it. But the Garden fans add a little extra to it. It was special.”
Donte DiVicenzo on added motivation (The Athletic)
Related: ESPN BPI Loves Timberwolves + Knicks Blockbuster Trade… for One Team
The Timberwolves are back in action on Wednesday night when they play the Chicago Bulls. Teammate Julius Randle will make his Minnesota debut , and it comes with Lonzo Ball returning to the court for the first time in ages.
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