New York journalists saw similarities in this sequence with Ray Allen's legendary shot against the Spurs in 2013. The end of this Game 2 between Knicks and Sixers of course did not reach such levels of drama. But the shot wins Donte DiVincenzo (19 points at 5/10 on shots) seriously shook up Madison Square Garden.
With 47 seconds remaining, the locals' chances of victory had diminished. With his free throw, Kyle Lowry gave his team a five-point lead (96-101). After a messy possession, on the verge of losing the ball, Jalen Brunson, extremely clumsy, managed to score from 3-points. The kind of shot that ricochets off the hoop before falling into it somehow.
The Sixers' next throw-in turned into an ordeal, as Nick Nurse called for a time-out which he did not get. Under pressure from Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, Tyrese Maxey collapsed and lost his leathers. Donte DiVincenzo thus recovered a first opportunity to give his team the advantage again. An open shot, but much too long.
Isaiah Hartenstein, rebounding hero
Isaiah Hartenstein then came out of nowhere to grab an offensive rebound, OG Anunoby brought the ball out towards his back. This time, DiVincenzo's shot pierced the net. A loud swish that made the New York speaker roar.
With 13 seconds left, the Knicks took the lead (102-101). The visitors will not be able to respond on the last possession. “ It was huge, it was very noisy. Honestly, after missing the first shot, I was really, really, really hoping that Isaiah would get (the offensive rebound) because I knew that with the rotation (from the Sixers), I was going to have a second shot. Thank goodness he took the offensive rebound “, he thanks.
The Knicks' most prolific outside shooter this season said he blamed himself a lot for missing his first attempt. To the point of having “ felt like shit to be completely honest “. He adds : ” We practice this every day: 3-point dagger and second chance shots. Once OG received the ball, I prepared my supports, I trusted my work and fortunately, it went in. »
On the bench during Game 1
The 27-year-old, however, does not forget the moments which preceded this crazy sequence. This end of the game took shape after the Knicks squandered a lead. “ It wasn't a good feeling, because we were 6 or 8 points ahead, something like that, so it's not positive. You lose that lead, so you know the next day it's going to sting a little more », blurted out the guard whose team was leading 90-82 eight minutes from the end.
“ I believe our confidence has never wavered. During time-out (in the finale), none of us told ourselves that the match was over. This is never the case, especially when playing for Thibs », he continues. A Tom Thibodeau who did not hesitate to do without Donte DiVincenzo in the 4th quarter of the first match.
The guard lacked skill that day, finishing with 8 points at 3/10 on shots, which contrasted with his great recent performances. Asked before this match 2 what he expected from DiVincenzo after this first performance, Tom Thibodeau replied: “ Let it be normal “. He did even better last night.
| Donte DiVincenzo | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2018-19 | MIL | 27 | 15 | 40.3 | 26.5 | 75.0 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 4.9 |
| 2019-20 | MIL | 66 | 23 | 45.5 | 33.6 | 73.3 | 1.0 | 3.8 | 4.8 | 2.3 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 9.2 |
| 2020-21 | MIL | 66 | 28 | 42.0 | 37.9 | 71.8 | 1.2 | 4.5 | 5.8 | 3.1 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 10.4 |
| 2021-22 * | All Teams | 42 | 24 | 35.1 | 33.9 | 84.3 | 1.0 | 3.1 | 4.1 | 2.8 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 9.1 |
| 2021-22 * | BAG | 25 | 27 | 36.2 | 36.8 | 83.9 | 0.9 | 3.5 | 4.4 | 3.6 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 0.2 | 10.3 |
| 2021-22 * | MIL | 17 | 20 | 33.1 | 28.4 | 85.2 | 1.1 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 7.2 |
| 2022-23 | GOS | 72 | 26 | 43.5 | 39.7 | 81.7 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 1.9 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 9.4 |
| 2023-24 | NYK | 81 | 29 | 44.3 | 40.1 | 75.4 | 0.8 | 2.9 | 3.7 | 2.7 | 2.1 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 15.5 |
| Total | 354 | 25 | 42.8 | 37.6 | 77.1 | 1.0 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 2.8 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 10.6 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
