"Imma let you live, brother" - Alleged leaked audio discloses context of Rick Brunson's heated exchange with Donte DiVincenzo
Donte DiVincenzo of the Minnesota Timberwolves had a heated exchange with New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson after their 115-110 loss on Sunday. The two had to be separated by several players and coaches, including Jalen Brunson, who had to get in between his friend and father.
In a video uploaded by "LegendZ" on X, formerly known as Twitter, there was more clear audio of what exactly happened during the incident. Rick approached DiVincenzo to tell him that what he said to the bench during the game was out of line.
The Timberwolves guard defended himself and told his friend's dad that he was talking back and it was directed toward Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. Rick even got a little personal by threatening DiVincenzo before Jalen got in the middle of it and put his arm around his former teammate.
Here was the alleged exchange after Sunday's game:
"Donte, that was some sucker sh*t," Rick said.
"You were talking to me?" Donte asked.
"Imma let you live, brother," the Knicks assistant uttered.
"I was talking to Thibs.. you wanna bring it out here for the camera," the Timberwolves guard responded.
Jalen Brunson had to play peacemaker before things got out of hand as emotions were still high. Donte DiVincenzo was seemingly talking trash to the New York Knicks bench during the game while he was at the free-throw line. DiVincenzo even had some words for Tom Thibodeau.
"I can't finish, right Thibs?" DiVincenzo asked. "That's what happens when they let you run the show."
It's clear that DiVincenzo was talking to Thibodeau, although the second part could be directed at Rick Brunson. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how things play out for both teams this season, with Karl-Anthony Towns in New York, and Julius Randle and DiVincenzo in Minnesota.
Donte DiVincenzo to clear things with Rick Brunson privately
It's safe to assume that Donte DiVincenzo is close to the Brunson family, considering he served as Jalen Brunson's best man at his wedding. DiVincenzo and Jalen were teammates at Villanova and even played for one season in New York.
Speaking to reporters after Sunday's game, DiVincenzo was asked about his relationship with the Brunsons. He explained that he'll handle the matter privately:
"My relationship with Jalen – that's my brother, my best friend. That's a separate relationship," DiVincenzo said, according to SNY. "I said I'll talk about that privately and figure that out."
The Knicks and Timberwolves are scheduled to face each other twice this season. The first meeting is on Dec. 19 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, while the second will be on Jan. 17 at Madison Square Garden.