DiVincenzo and the Knicks surge toward the playoffs
On HBCU night at Madison Square Garden on Monday, Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo brought heat and flavor to the building that was symbolic of the festive atmosphere that traditionally permeates historically Black college and universities sporting events.
DiVincenzo hit 11 3-pointers, establishing a new Knicks single-game franchise record and scored a career-high 40 points to boost his team to a 124-99 blowout of the Detroit Pistons. As entertaining and stimulating DiVincenzo’s performance was for the home crowd, more importantly, it was the Knicks’ sixth win in their previous seven games heading into last night’s meeting with the Toronto Raptors on the road.
The Knicks were 43-28, 24-13 at the Garden and 19-15 away from home, and the No. 4 seed in the East, only one half game behind the No. 3 seed Cleveland Cavaliers. However, they were just one game ahead of the No. 5 seed Orlando Magic in a tight race in the stretch run for playoff position. The Knicks have 10 more games remaining before their regular season schedule ends on April 14. They’ll face the San Antonio Spurs on the road tomorrow, host the Oklahoma City Thunder at MSG on Sunday, then travel to Miami to take on the Heat next Tuesday.
The Knicks have been consistently relentless in their effort in the four years Tom Thibodeau has been the team’s head coach. But this level of effort has been even more essential in the last few months as the Knicks have fought to maintain their place in the upper fourth of the East standings with Julius Randle (right shoulder dislocation) OG Anunoby (surgically repaired right elbow) and Mitchell Robinson (left ankle surgery) still all out and working their way back into the lineup from injuries.
But in their absence, there has been a collective mindset to keep surging ahead. DiVincenzo has represented it in his leadership and production. He has proven to be one of last summer’s best NBA free-agent signings as Jalen Brunson was in the summer of 2022. The Knicks inked him to a four-year, $50 million contract after he spent last season with the Golden State Warriors. Going into last night, the 27 year old, 6-4 guard from Villanova had played in 70 games this season, starting 52, and was averaging 14.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
Monday highlighted his ability to be a secondary scorer for the Knicks when needed. He also registered a team-leading 31 points in a 105-93 Knicks win against the Brooklyn Nets at the Garden last Saturday. His 3-point record was urged on by the fans in attendance that amped up DiVincenzo as he approached the mark.
“Yes, it’s an amazing feeling having the crowd behind you,” DiVincenzo said, “but also like every time you touch the ball, they’re like, ‘Shoot! Shoot!’”
The energy generated by those that wanted to witness Knicks history had DiVincenzo wrapped up in the moment.
“Yeah, honestly, Jalen was telling me, ‘bro slow down.’ I was like ‘the crowd’s speeding me up,’” DiVincenzo admitted. “That emotion where you get a sliver of space, knock down nine and then 10 of them, and as soon as you catch the ball, you can hear the crowd. I’ve said it, it’s the best fans in the league.”
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