Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo made some interesting remarks about Knicks assistant Rick Brunson during and after Sunday's preseason game.
DiVincenzo, who was acquired from the Knicks in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade last month, was seen at the free throw line chatting with the father of Knicks star Jalen Brunson. 110 wins over Minnesota at Madison Square Garden.
“This sucks,” Rick Brunson told DiVincenzo as the former Knicks guard approached New York's bench after the game, according to ESPN. “That was the worst.
“Brother, I'll let you live.”
When Jalen Brunson put his arm around him, DiVincenzo responded by putting a towel over his head.
“You talked to me. You talked to Thibs,” DiVincenzo said, referring to Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. “You want to bring it out here for the camera.”
DiVincenzo, who finished with 15 points, referenced the previous interaction as he stood at the free throw line in the first quarter.
“Can't we finish it right?” DiVincenzo said of the Knicks head coach, per ESPN.
Rick Brunson, who was sitting next to Thibodeau, was seen getting excited on the sideline, but it's unclear what he said.
“This is what happens when you let the show run,” DiVincenzo said. “Let's let daddy take charge.”
DiVincenzo told reporters after the game that his comments were not directed at anyone in particular. “No thanks” for the transaction.
“There was an overall direction.” [of the Knicks bench]” DiVincenzo said. “Obviously, they videotaped me saying that and I'm not there anymore. I play, I'm competitive, I act with heart, that's all. did.”
DiVincenzo, who was a groomsman at Jaylen and Ali Marks' wedding last July, said the altercation did not affect their friendship.
“My relationship with Jalen, he’s my brother and my best friend,” DiVincenzo said. “It's a different relationship. We'll talk about it privately and work it all out. But it is what it is.”
DiVincenzo and Jalen played at Villanova along with the Knicks' Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges.
When asked about the post-game situation between his father and DiVincenzo, Jalen said, “I was right there.” “It was a word of affirmation.”
Early in the game, the Knicks Tribute video played Kudos to DiVincenzo and Julius Randle, who traded for Towns in a blockbuster deal with the Timberwolves that was officially announced earlier this month.
The Knicks will play the Hornets on Tuesday before their final preseason game against the Wizards on Friday.
New York opens the 2024 regular season on October 22nd in Boston against the reigning champion Celtics.
The Knicks and Timberwolves will meet in the regular season on December 19th in Minnesota.
