'Terrific' Career Night for Donte DiVincenzo Guides New York Knicks Over Charlotte Hornets
Donte DiVincenzo had one the best games of his career on Saturday night, as he was one of the driving forces in the New York Knicks' 122-108 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
Making his second consecutive start in place of the injured Quentin Grimes, the sixth-year guard out of Villanova finished with a career-high 25 points. Fourteen came in the second half as the Knicks (8-5) inflated their wire-to-wire lead to as high as 18 en route to their sixth victory over the last seven games.
“(DiVincenzo) was terrific, terrific,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said in the postgame, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. “I thought the shotmaking, the playmaking, the defense, it was a terrific all-around game from him.”
DiVincenzo had a career-best night on Saturday in Charlotte
Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY SPORTS
DiVincenzo set another personal best with seven three-pointers on 10 attempts, part of a 9-of-12 shooting night overall. It was a special night for Villanova alumni, as fellow former Wildcat Jalen Brunson led the team in scoring with 32.
Despite his major role in the Knicks' victory, DiVincenzo used his time in the spotlight to campaign for his past and present teammate's first All-Star bid.
“I would love for (Brunson) to get an All-Star berth,” DiVincenzo said, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. “I think he is (an All-Star) I think we have two All-Stars on this team."
The Knicks were represented by Julius Randle in last February's All-Star Game but Brunson was widely viewed as one of the biggest snubs. If DiVincenzo is able to continue to take some of the defensive pressure off of Brunson by being a threat himself, that could open things up.
DiVincenzo was the Knicks' primary addition over the offseason and he has proven his worth in various ways over his first 11 appearances: he has put up 39 points in a combined two starts in place of Grimes and his defensive rating at 108 is the best among the Knicks' backcourt regulars.
The Knicks conclude a five-game road trip on Monday night when they face Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves (8 p.m. ET, MSG).
