Donte DiVincenzo and Rick Brunson

In a dramatic preseason matchup, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo had a contentious return to Madison Square Garden after being traded from the New York Knicks in exchange for All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns. During the game, DiVincenzo directed pointed remarks at Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, sarcastically thanking him for the trade while hinting at his frustrations with the coaching decisions that led to his departure. After the game, DiVincenzo was involved in a heated exchange with Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson, leading to on-court tensions that were swiftly diffused by players from both teams. Although DiVincenzo publicly expressed love for Knicks fans pre-game, his actions suggest lingering resentment towards the team's management and Thibodeau specifically. The Knicks ultimately won the game 115-110, but the exchange hints at a budding rivalry between the two teams. As both teams prepare for the regular season, DiVincenzo's performance and attitude could play a significant role in the Timberwolves' success moving forward.