Donte DiVincenzo Poised For Larger Offensive Role After Knicks' Big Trade

With Immanuel Quickley dealt to the Toronto Raptors, Donte DiVincenzo appears destined to carry bigger responsibilities on the New York Knicks' offense.

The New York Knicks' first game with OG Anunoby in the lineup was an undeniable success, as the team took down the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-106 on Monday afternoon. But obtaining Anunoby came with a sacrifice, as RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley were sent to the Toronto Raptors. 

While the Knicks might've come as far as they could go with Barrett, they'll no doubt miss Quickley, one of the most consistent reserves in the NBA who finished second in the most recent Sixth Man of the Year vote. With Quickley gone, the Knicks could come to further rely on Anunoby's fellow backcourt newcomer Donte DiVincenzo.

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The first-year Knick has been stationed in the New York starting lineup since Dec. 8. In that span, he has averaged 13.1 points on over 52 percent shooting from the field including 46.3 from three-point range. He has been at his best in the post-Quickley era.

With the Knicks shorthanded after enacting the deal for Anunoby on Saturday night against the Indiana Pacers, DiVincenzo put in a career-best 38 points on 15-of-21 shooting, pairing it with six rebounds and four steals. Though the Knicks fell in Indianapolis, he was active in the Monday win over Minnesota at 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a block and steal each in just under 26 minutes. 

DiVincenzo's recent breakout is no surprise to past and current teammate Jalen Brunson, who is well used to him stepping up in clutch situations, such as his historic output off the bench during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship Game. 

"I’ve seen it plenty of times,” per Peter Botte of the New York Post. “Obviously, [I’m] happy with the way he’s playing. I wish we could have made his career night more memorable by winning. So we’ve got to be better.”

Barrett and Quickley Start, Score For Raptors in 1st Game After Knicks Trade

DiVincenzo will get his next chance to show how far he's come when the Knicks (18-15) return to action on Wednesday night against the Chicago Bulls (8:30 p.m. ET, MSG/ABC).