There was no Villanova reunion.
There was no anticipated spat with Rick Brunson to control.
Former followers didn’t have the prospect to look at him play on the Backyard ground throughout what has been a sizzling streak for the Delaware native.
There was no New York return on Friday night time for former Knick Donte DiVincenzo, because the guard was sidelined for a second straight sport with a sprained toe.
And it might not be his final watching from the sidelines.
Minnesota coach Chris Finch mentioned the crew shouldn’t be but certain if it’s a day-to-day harm or one thing to fret about long run.
“Out tonight and we’ll go from there,” he mentioned earlier than Friday night time’s sport on the Backyard.
Regardless of the absence, Tom Thibodeau was fast to reward his former participant together with Julius Randle, who confronted the Knicks for the primary time on the Backyard since being traded with DiVincenzo for Karl-Anthony Cities.
“Terrific. He [Randle] had a fantastic run, helped carry the crew up,” Thibodeau mentioned. “Not solely excelled individually, however the crew itself whereas he was right here as properly. So, did a terrific job for us, and Donte as properly. Clearly, Donte was right here for lots much less time, however he had a fantastic affect. Each guys, elegant guys. Performed arduous on a regular basis and did a extremely good job for us.”
It marked DiVincenzo’s first DNP sport this season, well timed together with his return, and to the Timberwolves’ (21-19) drawback, throughout his sizzling streak.
DiVincenzo would have been coming off a 28-point night time, capturing 9-for-19 from the sector and 6-for-12 from 3-point vary, together with six rebounds and 9 assists within the Timberwolves’ 116-115 loss to the Warriors on Wednesday.
“It’s a troublesome one for us. He had lastly settled in,” Finch mentioned of lacking DiVincenzo. “He appeared nice. He was enjoying wonderful, doing all the pieces for us. Not simply making photographs, however he was rebounding, powerful protection, and successful performs.”
Over the previous 11 video games, he averaged 16.4 factors on almost 45 p.c capturing and 43 p.c from deep.
He additionally joined Minnesota’s beginning lineup for the final six video games.
When the Knicks performed in Minnesota on Dec. 19, DiVincenzo dropped 15 factors on his former crew, which he nonetheless considers “household.”
“I’m nonetheless in touch with these guys on a regular basis. It’s nonetheless household,” DiVincenzo mentioned in December. “I watch video games and all the pieces, however it’s totally different, a special viewpoint if you’ll — extra so only a fan of the fellows which are over there. Want them nothing however success, individually and collectively.”