Donte DiVincenzo completed an outstanding season by setting a franchise record with 283 three-pointers and scoring 25 points during a 53-minute game against the Bulls. He played nearly the entire game, only sitting for 30 seconds in the first quarter before returning to the court. DiVincenzo’s impressive performance helped the Knicks secure the 2-seed in the playoffs, where they will face either the 76ers or the Heat in the first round.
If the Knicks play the 76ers, DiVincenzo will have the opportunity to compete near his hometown and college in Philadelphia. His girlfriend, Morgan Calantoni, announced the birth of their baby boy on Instagram shortly after the game. The couple shared pictures of their new addition, expressing their joy and gratitude for their growing family. The news of DiVincenzo’s child added to the excitement of his exceptional performance on the court.
Jalen Brunson, another standout player for the Knicks, tied Patrick Ewing for the second-highest number of 40-point games in franchise history. Brunson’s impressive season saw him emerge as a potential MVP candidate and a likely candidate for Second Team All-NBA honors. He finished the season with an average of 28.7 points per game on 48 percent shooting, ranking third in points per game as a Knick, behind only Bernard King and Richie Guerin.
Brunson’s work ethic and dedication to his craft were likened to Ewing’s by coach Tom Thibodeau, who praised Brunson’s commitment to improving his game. Thibodeau highlighted Brunson’s consistency in showing up early to practice and putting in the work required to excel on the court. Despite his success, Brunson remained focused on the playoffs ahead and continued to push himself to reach new heights in his basketball career.
As both DiVincenzo and Brunson celebrated personal milestones off the court, their exceptional performances on the court helped propel the Knicks to a successful regular season. With the playoffs looming, the team’s stars were eager to continue their success and make a deep postseason run. The combination of individual achievements and team success created a sense of excitement and anticipation among fans as the Knicks prepared to face their playoff opponents.
