Donte DiVincenzo and the Minnesota Timberwolves lost Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals Tuesday night, falling 99-88 to the Golden State Warriors. DiVincenzo played 33 minutes in the defeat against his former team.
The guard recorded seven points on 3-for-11 shooting from the field, including 1-for-7 from 3-point range. He added three rebounds, four assists, and one steal in the Game 1 contest.
Facing his previous club adds a layer to the series for DiVincenzo, who spent the 2022-23 season with the Warriors. His time in Golden State is credited with helping reestablish his standing in the league.
Steph Curry, a former teammate, discussed DiVincenzo's development ahead of the playoff matchup. Curry noted his pride in DiVincenzo's progression since their time together.
Curry recalled advising DiVincenzo during free agency after the 2022-23 season, guidance that preceded DiVincenzo signing a four-year contract with the New York Knicks. He was later traded to Minnesota.
In 62 regular-season games for the Timberwolves, DiVincenzo averaged 11.7 points while shooting 42.2 percent overall and 39.7 percent from beyond the arc. He also averaged 3.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals over 25.9 minutes per contest.
Despite the past connection, Curry expressed competitive feelings regarding the series outcome.
"It’s been fun to watch," Curry told reporters about DiVincenzo's growth, "but I don’t want to see him do great these next two weeks.”
