DiVincenzo has career 25 points vs Hornets and what it means
The New York Knicks defeat the Charlotte Hornets on the road; DiVincenzo has a career night; Jalen Brunson shines again and RJ Barrett is back!
A thrilling three-point night!
On his second night subbing for Quentin Grimes, Donte DiVincenzo has a career 25-point, seven-three-point night as the Knicks, once again, defeated the Charlotte Hornets. DiVincenzo shot 70% from the field and 75% from beyond the arc as the Knicks came on strong and defeated the Hornets 122-108.
DiVincenzo made five threes in the first quarter! The Knicks were 16 of 37 from three for 43.2%. After Donte, the next Knick up was the floor general, Jalen Brunson, with four of eight from deep for 50%.
But what does this mean for the Knicks’ starting shooting guard, Grimes, who is currently nursing a sprained wrist? Will Tom Thibodeau keep DiVincenzo in the starting lineup, or will Grimes return to his spot?
What does it mean?
Although it’s been incredible to watch, I don’t believe this changes anything in the starting lineup.
Don’t be too quick on the “Grimes has lost his spot.”
That’s just the adrenaline. I admit I got overzealous also, and then reality hit me. Let’s remember that in his first game as a Knick, Grimes shot seven from down yonder. Grimes is a great defender. That’s what Tom Thibodeau loves more than points. And it’s where Grimes excels, always guarding the best player on the opposing team.
We can bet that Grimes was watching and learning and saw he had more to do. He had a blueprint during the last two games, watching DiVincenzo, and now he knows exactly how to do it.
Instead of fans worrying about whether Grimes will lose his starting spot or come off the bench, I think the Knicks have been blessed this season. They should be ecstatic that now they have two sharpshooters…one a starter and one off the bench. Now, if Miles “Deuce” McBride gets a three-pointer, they’ll have a shooter in all three units!
History is made…
Let’s not forget that Quentin Grimes has made Knicks history. Grimes, Immanuel Quickley, and then-teammate Obi Toppin scored 30 or more points, totaling 107 against the Indiana Pacers last season.
Imagine him now. While he sits on the bench, watching, I bet we’ll see a very different Grimes when he returns.