In a lighthearted twist to the drama that unfolded after the New York Knicks' recent preseason win, Jalen Brunson approached a minor altercation between his father, Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson, and Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo with humor. Following the Knicks' 115-110 victory, Jalen brushed off the situation, referring to it as “words of affirmation.”

The incident occurred when DiVincenzo, who recently parted ways with the Knicks, exchanged words with Rick Brunson while greeting his former teammates. The tension led to a brief need for separation, underscoring the competitive emotions that surfaced during the game. Earlier in the match, DiVincenzo was seen directing heated comments toward the Knicks' bench while taking free throws, adding to the atmosphere of rivalry.

In his post-game comments, DiVincenzo reflected on the competitive nature of the exchange, saying, “I’m not there anymore. I play competitive, I wear my heart on my sleeve, and that’s all it was.” This reveals the intensity of feeling that can surface when players face off against former teams and familiar faces.

The Knicks honored DiVincenzo and fellow teammate Julius Randle with a tribute video before the game, a gesture acknowledging their contributions before they were traded to Minnesota in a major deal involving star player Karl-Anthony Towns on October 2.

Despite the on-court tensions, DiVincenzo was quick to clarify that his bond with Jalen remains strong. “My relationship with Jalen, that’s my brother and my best friend. That’s a separate relationship,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of their friendship regardless of competitive circumstances.

On the court, DiVincenzo had an impressive performance against his former team, scoring 15 points and contributing seven assists in just 27 minutes. He showcased his shooting skills by hitting 6 of 11 from the field and made 50% of his three-point attempts, proving his value to the Timberwolves even in the face of an emotional reunion.

As the NBA preseason continues, fans and players alike can expect more thrilling moments filled with passion and rivalry, setting the stage for an exciting regular season ahead. Stay tuned for more updates!