Donte DiVincenzo reveals inspiring locker room speech, sparking Knicks’ epic comeback in Game 2 against Pacers

Against all odds, the New York Knicks managed to protect their home court in tonight’s Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers. First, a fierce battle in the first quarter ended in a thirty-six point tie after twelve minutes. But the Knicks lost their energy in the second quarter and found themselves trailing by ten points at halftime. However, despite being undermanned and ten points behind, Jalen Brunson’s team gathered their energy and rebounded in the second half to ultimately win 130-121. And after the game, Donte DiVincenzo revealed the secret to the Knicks’ epic second-half comeback.

“We were in the locker room saying ‘we’re still going to win this game’.” Regardless of the disadvantage, DiVincenzo said the team still believed they could win the game if they played like they have all season. By defending better, getting more rebounds and not letting the Pacers get second chance points while playing their regular offense instead of bending over backwards, the Knicks managed to do exactly what Donte said in the second period.

One of the main reasons the Knicks struggled in the second quarter was because their best player, Jalen Brunson, missed the entire quarter with foot soreness. However, when DiVincenzo called, his Villanova teammate answered. Returning in the second half and earning the title of “King of the Fourth,” Brunson took over in the final quarter for the third straight game, scoring fourteen of his twenty-nine points in the final twelve minutes. With newfound energy, the Knicks regained control of the game and beat the Pacers to take a two-game lead in the series.

Stephen Curry inspired Donte DiVincenzo’s career-defining decision

While Brunson was doing his thing on the court, Donte DiVincenzo also had his third straight twenty-plus point game tonight. Scoring 28 points, including eighteen from beyond the arc, Donte helped the Knicks to victory. And that’s been the story for the Knicks since Donte arrived in New York last summer. While he was already a good player and NBA champion with the Bucks before moving to New York, Donte has taken a giant step forward since joining the Knicks. Producing nearly sixteen points every night and shooting a career-high 40% from the three-point line, Donte became a fan favorite.

And it might never have happened without his former teammate Stephen Curry. Although Donte only played with the Warriors for one season, he found a true friend and mentor in Steph and asked her for advice on his future last summer. Making Donte realize that he would be a great fit in New York and could excel with his old Villanova buddies, Steph’s advice reinforced what Donte already thought. “It was on my mind. You know, I’m an adult. I make my own decisions, but to have someone of that stature to almost voice the opinion that I think. It makes you feel good about the decision you’re making, rather than if he says something that comes out of left field and you kind of start to question things.

Shortly after his conversation with Steph, Donte signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the Knicks. And this decision not only defined Donte’s career, but also helped the Knicks achieve immense success, which could lead them to a championship in a few weeks.