Julius Randle & Donte DiVincenzo’s NY Return Gets Ugly as Jalen Brunson’s Dad Pulled Into Heated Exchange

It’s not the reunion a Knicks fan would have imagined! Following the Karl-Anthony Towns blockbuster trade, Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle visited the MSG for the first time, as the NY side took on the Wolves. While everyone expected a round of heartwarming dap-ups and hugs thrown around, there was an unexpected turnaround. For sure, there were emotional link-ups between players but at the same time, Donte and Randle had an unusual tussle with the Knicks bench, especially with Jalen’s dad, Rick Brunson.

The 27-year-old received a rare call-up as a starting guard, as Mike Conley took the backseat. Donte started off the proceedings with a three-pointer and ended the game with 15 points and 7 assists in 27 minutes. Amid this impressive performance, the hooper had a heated back-and-forth with the Knicks’ bench.

Especially during a free throw attempt, Donte DiVincenzo can be heard, mockingly saying, “Thank you for the trade Thibs. Thank you for the trade… that’s what happens when they let you run the show. That’s what happens when they let you run the show. This is what happens when they let you run the show,” aimed at head coach Tom Thibodeau!

Moreover, after the game, things got even uglier when he had a heated argument with Rick Brunson at the courtside. There isn’t any clarity on the cause behind the fight. It went so far that the teammates and coaches had to interfere and separate the duo. Even Jalen Brunson stood closer to the duo in caution, making sure that things didn’t get physical.

At that point 15 people were fitting inside the camera frame, that’s how crowded it got! On the other hand, Julius Randle, who is yet to make his debut in Wolves threads, also had a strange argument with a Knicks’ two-way liaison.

After the game, Kwadzo Ahelegbe and NY’s loved Randle can be seen going off at each other. However, it didn’t get as critical as it panned out between Rick and Donte. Nevertheless, this much-expected reunion sparked a new rivalry in the NBA world.

What could have been the reason behind Donte DiVincenzo’s argument?

Well, this is where we get speculative. But, it’s just a light-hearted skim through the possible reasons. Firstly, the Knicks made the headlines in the off-season after they roped in Mikal Bridges. It wasn’t just another talent acquisition, but a wholesome reunion. After the Bridges trade, the NY side had four Villanova players from the same class: Josh Hart, Brunson, Bridges, and DiVincenzo.

The NY fans were already hyped about the Nova Knicks taking over the regular season. However, the hype didn’t last long, as the Knicks front office demolished the dream. Days ahead of Media Day, they traded Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle to rope in Karl-Anthony Towns, breaking a thousand hearts. This might have triggered the argument in the latest link-up.

But, on a serious note, the actual reason could be something else. However, during the post-game press conference, Coach Thibs downplayed the argument, as he said, “Two competitive guys, stuff like that does happen.” 

Meanwhile, Donte DiVincenzo didn’t reveal a convincing reason behind the on-court altercation with Coach Thibs and Rick Brunson, as he added, “Obviously they had me on video saying it. I’m not there anymore, I play competitive, I wear my heart on my sleeve and that’s all it was.” So, this rivalry may end tonight itself, considering the bond they shared over the years. What do you think?