"It was blown out of proportion" – Jalen Brunson's father Rick Brunson reflects on altercation with Donte DiVincenzo

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Jalen Brunson's dad, Rick, talked about his altercation with Donte DiVincenzo (Image Source: Getty)

New York Knicks assistant coach and father of Jalen Brunson, Rick, talked about the altercation between himself and Donte DiVincenzo on Thursday. The older Brunson was a guest on his son's podcast with Josh Hart, "The Roommates Show," where he clarified on his interaction with DiVo during a preseason game.

At that game, Rick and the former Knicks player got into a heated argument. The assistant coach explained that they had made amends and reflected on his actions toward the player.

"AS you know, he's family, man," Rick said. "I thought it was blown out of proportion. We could've handled it – or I could've handled it in a better way. I know you, I know him, I know Mikal, where you guys come from and I just want to make sure we all act accordingly.
"I thought, myself included, we didn't act right, but it's over with, man. We talked the next day, it's all good. Donte be at the Thanksgiving Dinner. That's my guy."

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The Wolves have not yet traveled to New York during the regular season. On Jan. 17, they will play their first game at Madison Square Garden.

Also read: "S**t should have been handled better" - Jalen Brunson addresses Knicks altercation with Donte DiVincenzo


What happened between Jalen Brunson's dad and DiVincenzo?

Before the Knicks' Media Day, DiVincenzo was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns. DiVo was part of the trade package with All-Star forward Julius Randle.

On Oct. 13, the Minnesota Timberwolves arrived at Madison Square Garden to play a preseason game. DiVo suited up for his new team and against the Knicks. At one point, the shooting guard was on the free-throw line and had something to say to the Knicks' coaching staff.

His initial verbal jabs were aimed at Tom Thibodeau, whom he questioned about his ability to finish inside. Divo followed it up with this:

"That's what happens when they let you run the show."

After the game, the Knicks players welcomed back their former teammates. While on the way to their respective locker rooms, DiVincenzo and Brunson had some words directed at each other. Watch the video below to see their verbal exchange.

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After the game, the Wolves guard talked about his interaction with the coaching staff while he shot his free throws.

"It was in a general direction," DiVincenzo said. "Obviously, they had me on video saying it and I'm not there anymore. I play, I'm competitive, I wear my heart on my sleeve. That's all it was. Some words I don't fully know what was said ... I really have no comment on the situation."

When questioned about his relationship with Jalen Brunson, DiVo explained that he and the athlete have a separate relationship from the others.

Also read: Donte DiVincenzo trash talks Jalen Brunson & Tom Thibodeau on sidelines in Timberwolves' preseason game

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Edited by Akshay Saraswat
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