As expected, the meeting of the New York Knicks and Minnesota in the Madison Square Garden has become more controversial following the heated exchange of words between former guard Donte DiVincenzo and the team's assistant coach Rick Brunson.
The blockbuster trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns for DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, and Keita Bates-Diop was too much for the organization to handle. With all the on-court fireworks, it was exactly what the fans waited for; the game took the Knicks to win 115-110 in a closely contested victory.
DiVincenzo's Heated Return to the Garden
A well-represented Donte DiVincenzo, the 27-year-old Villanova alumnus, returned to Madison Square Garden to play against his old team, bringing in much more than the A game, battling tense moments with the Knicks, which placed tensions overflowing into the already burning game, according to Bleacher Report.
"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," DiVincenzo told the Knicks' bench in a video.
But the drama didn't end there. There was an argument in words that happened after the game. Some guys restrained DiVincenzo from Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson. But amidst this scuffle, DiVincenzo told reporters, "There's absolutely nothing but love from my end to the organization.".
Read Also: NBA Fans React to Jordan Poole's 'Poor' Preseason Performance
A Heartfelt Salute to DiVincenzo and Randle
The Knicks honored DiVincenzo and Julius Randle with a tribute video before the game. Regarding the video, DiVincenzo said, "Them showing the video, saying thank you, including me in the video with Julius is special to me. It was special."
Randle, a veteran presence in the Knicks' rotation for five seasons, was also included.
On the court, DiVincenzo is so detailed in the game that he managed to score a total of 15 points, three rebounds, and seven assists, tied for second place in scoring of the game for the Timberwolves. Just as the Timberwolves get ready to host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, the opening game has already set up what seems to be in store this year - a thriller.
Fans Couldn't Get Over the Post-Game Drama
The heated exchange between DiVincenzo and Brunson has created many dramatic lines online.
As Sports Illustrated spotted via @LeotalksLakers, "Preseason drama already, this season is going to be goated." Meanwhile, another NBA fan @BbqMuse said, "I need to know the story behind this trade ngl ????." @_Talkin_NBA added, "Donte took that trade personally. Knicks loss, Wolves gain."
With this much drama before the season even begins, it's clear that this storyline is far from over—and what's the story behind the controversial Towns trade.
Donte DiVincenzo and Rick Brunson had to be separated after exchanging words 😳
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 14, 2024
This was Donte's first game back in New York following the trade to Minnesota pic.twitter.com/CDt72FzEkH
I need to know the story behind this trade ngl 🍿 https://t.co/M3fknVy9K1
— BBQ MUSE (@BbqMuse) October 14, 2024
"I really have no comment on the situation."
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) October 14, 2024
Donte DiVincenzo was asked about what happened between he and Rick Brunson after the game: pic.twitter.com/oSclCA6Ojw
Related Article: Knicks: Donte DiVincenzo Speaks on Viral Altercation With Pacers Star Myles Turner in Game 5
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