When Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo went down with a non-contact lower leg injury just over a minute into Game 4, everyone's stomach dropped. DiVincenzo went to the ground, grabbing his Achilles after attempting to run into the paint to secure a rebound.
Unfortunately, Shams Charania confirmed everyone's worst fear that DiVincenzo has been diagnosed with a torn right Achilles tendon.
Donte DiVincenzo's injury is heartbreaking
Firstly, I want to emphasize that we are all thinking of DiVincenzo and wishing him a speedy recovery.
The nature of the injury was eerily similar to the devastating injuries we saw from Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, and Damian Lillard in last year's playoffs. As such, it wasn't a surprise that DiVincenzo was officially diagnosed with a torn Achilles, but it was still, of course, gut-wrenching to hear this news confirmed.
To make matters worse, Anthony Edwards also left the game with a hyperextended knee injury. The Wolves incredibly pulled off a 112-96 win to take a commanding 3-1 lead over the Denver Nuggets. Given the circumstances, it was truly one of the most impressive wins from any team in recent memory.
Ayo Dosunmu had a flat-out heroic performance, pouring in 43 points. Dosunmu will likely take DiVincenzo's spot in the starting lineup, and the Wolves will need high-level production from him to sustain their playoff success.
The results of the game feel like small potatoes, though. Without a doubt, the long-term health of DiVincenzo and Edwards is the bigger priority.
DiVincenzo has been a vital part of the Timberwolves' success all season long. He is well-known for being one of the best 3-point shooters, but his connective playmaking and relentless hustle have been equally valuable. DiVincenzo is the ultimate glue guy who gives it his all on every play and has given the Wolves a nightly energy boost while serving as one of the main leaders of the team.
He was also one of four players across the NBA who started in all 82 games this season. Heading into Game 4, DiVincenzo was averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while netting 50 percent of his 3-pointers in the playoffs. All year long, the Wolves could count on DiVincenzo as one of their most productive and consistent players.
Minnesota is now in the driver's seat of this series. Nevertheless, finishing out the series without a key starter (and possibly their superstar) won't be an easy task.
The bigger picture is that everyone in the NBA world is rallying around DiVincenzo and wishing him a speedy recovery.
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