New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo appeared to have a heated exchange after a preseason game on Sunday.
Brunson, of course, is Jalen Brunson’s father. DiVincenzo was traded from the Knicks to the Wolves for Karl-Anthony Towns just days ago.
After the Knicks beat the Wolves, 115-110, cameras caught Brunson and DiVincenzo exchanging words, with Brunson taking steps toward DiVincenzo. Players from both sides appeared to quickly step between them.
Donte & Rick Brunson have words & are separated pic.twitter.com/pZpQlYo19e
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) October 14, 2024
It’s unclear the nature of the exchange or what started it.
The two are obviously familiar with each other, dating back to DiVincenzo and Jalen Brunson playing together at Villanova.
DiVincenzo had a somewhat testy return to Madison Square Garden. During a trip to the free throw line in the first half, DiVincenzo appeared to shout at Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau: “Thanks for the trade, Thibs … that’s what happens when they let you run the show.”
Thibodeau and Knicks president Leon Rose had reportedly long wanted to trade for Towns.
Donte Divencenzo chirping at Thibs in the preseason ?
“Thanks for the trade Thibs… that’s what happens when they let you run the show.” pic.twitter.com/e3hI3xq8iO
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) October 14, 2024
After the game, Thibodeau seemed to brush aside DiVincenzo and Brunson’s exchange.
Asked Thibs on postgame interaction with Donte and Rick Brunson: “I didn’t see it. Two competitive guys. Stuff like that does happen.”
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) October 14, 2024
Though DiVincenzo may have exchanged words with the Knicks bench, before the game, he shot down rumors that he was unhappy with the Knicks and wanted a trade.
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