Donte DiVincenzo Addresses What's 'Lacking' in New York Knicks' Preseason Finale

Donte DiVincenzo didn't hold back after the New York Knicks' disastrous preseason finale against the Washington Wizards.

The New York Knicks ended their preseason on a sour note with a 131-106 loss to the Washington Wizards. 

New York played its projected starters and a rotation that one might see going into the season (with the exception of the "nicked up" Immanuel Quickley). Yet, the Knicks looked like they were a step behind all night long against a team that they should be able to beat. Wizards guard Jordan Poole scored a game-high 41, the most any player in the NBA has scored in a preseason game this year.

Poole's former teammate and Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo spoke with the media following the game and discussed what the team is lacking going into the regular season.

New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

“I think, first, you start with the competitive nature," DiVincenzo said via SNY's Ian Begley. "I think we all know that each and every one of us have more of a competitive side to us and we have to do that each and every night."

"You can wrinkle out the X's and O's and the schemes and communication but, first and foremost, you've just got to compete harder. Everyone knows that we have it in us but we can't pace ourselves. We know that a week from tonight is opening night and if we're not ready, we're going to get smacked."

The Knicks expect to be competitive this year after winning a playoff series for the first time in a decade. New York has one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, which is part of the reason why DiVincenzo opted to leave the highly competitive Golden State Warriors. He struggled in the Knicks' four-game preseason slate, averaging 8.5 points on just over 33 percent shooting from the field while also losing 10 turnovers. 

If the Knicks don't display that competitive edge DiVincenzo claims they have during the regular season, they could fall down the standings in the Eastern Conference, where nearly every team has a realistic shot at the postseason.

The Knicks' season begins next Wednesday when they host the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).