The Minnesota Timberwolves’ promising season has hit a speedbump with the news that starting guard Donte DiVincenzo will be out indefinitely due to a left big toe injury. Sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania that DiVincenzo’s foot has been placed in a boot and he will seek additional medical opinions to determine the full extent of the issue.
DiVincenzo’s Emergence as a Starter
The injury comes at an inopportune time for both DiVincenzo and the Timberwolves. The 26-year-old guard had recently moved into the starting lineup and was thriving in an expanded role. Over his last six starts, DiVincenzo averaged an impressive 17.5 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds while shooting a blistering 42% from three-point range.
His strong play helped stabilize Minnesota’s backcourt rotation and perfectly complemented the star duo of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. DiVincenzo’s ability to space the floor, make plays for others, and compete on defense made him an ideal fit as a supporting cast member.
Season-High Performance vs Warriors
DiVincenzo’s indefinite absence is especially painful considering he was coming off perhaps his best game of the season. In Wednesday’s narrow 116-115 loss to the Golden State Warriors, the former Villanova standout erupted for a season-high 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including 5-of-10 from deep.
My confidence is at an all-time high…I’m just reading the game, taking what the defense gives me, not trying to force anything and playing free.
– Donte DiVincenzo after the Warriors game
That freedom and aggressiveness had become hallmarks of DiVincenzo’s game in recent weeks as he grew more comfortable in head coach Chris Finch’s system. The springy 6’4″ guard was providing a much-needed tertiary scoring punch and keeping defenses honest with his outside shooting prowess.
Stepping Up After Slow Start
DiVincenzo’s stellar stretch was even more encouraging considering his relatively pedestrian numbers to begin the year. Through his first 35 games, mostly coming off the bench, he averaged a modest 9.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 24.6 minutes per night.
- First 35 games: 9.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 37.1% FG, 34.1% 3PT
- Last 6 games (as starter): 17.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44.4% FG, 42.0% 3PT
Those early struggles now seem like a distant memory as DiVincenzo was rounding into form as a viable third option behind Edwards and Towns. His two-way impact and infectious energy were becoming integral parts of the Timberwolves’ identity.
Tough Blow for Timberwolves
For a Minnesota squad that is currently clinging to the 8th seed in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, losing a key contributor like DiVincenzo for an extended period could be a major blow. The Timberwolves (22-20) are already facing an uphill climb to secure a top-6 playoff spot and avoid the play-in tournament.
With DiVincenzo sidelined, Finch will likely turn to veteran Austin Rivers or young guard Jaylen Nowell to fill the void in the starting lineup. Rivers provides steady defense and outside shooting while Nowell offers more offensive pop and creation ability off the dribble. But neither is as well-rounded nor as playoff-tested as DiVincenzo.
The hope is that DiVincenzo’s injury, while concerning, does not keep him out for more than a few weeks. Minnesota’s playoff aspirations may very well hinge on the former first-round pick’s ability to get healthy and recapture his pre-injury form sometime before the postseason.
Until then, the Timberwolves will aim to tread water in the merciless West and anxiously await further updates on DiVincenzo’s status. An extended absence would put even more pressure on Edwards and Towns to carry the load and severely test this roster’s depth and resolve.
