Saturday night’s Game 3 matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves included a devastating injury to Donte DiVincenzo in the opening quarter.
Before the game even concluded, DiVincenzo was diagnosed with a torn Achilles. It’s an injury that ended the postseason of several players last year, including Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 25: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to an apparent injury in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. DiVincenzo did not return to the game.
Following Tatum’s Game 4 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, he revealed that he saw the DiVincenzo injury in real-time. It was a tough scene for Tatum, who experienced that kind of scenario firsthand during the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
“I was watching the game yesterday and it was tough seeing that. I never want anybody to go through that injury and just what’s to come and the rehab process,” Tatum told reporters in Philadelphia.
Jayson Tatum Sends A Hearfelt Message To DiVincenzo
GettyBOSTON, MA – APRIL 19: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics warms up before before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Although Tatum and DiVincenzo never played together, NBA players tend to be extremely supportive to those who go through the same challenges.
Tatum formed a bond with Portland’s Damian Lillard and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton after they all suffered the same injury last postseason.
Now, Tatum wants to help DiVincenzo through his battle back.
“My thoughts and prayers have been with him,” Tatum added.
“Hopefully, [the surgery] went successfully. I have no doubt about that. You never want to see anybody injured—especially that one—I was definitely like sick to my stomach yesterday seeing him go down. I know exactly how he’s feeling, I know exactly what he has to go through. I’m going to be a resource. He has me in his corner, whether he’s going to like it or not. So I’ll definitely reach out to him soon.”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts in the second half of play against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on October 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Unlike Lillard and Haliburton, Tatum did all he could to make sure he returned to the court for the 2025-2026 NBA season.
Tatum was back for the Celtics in early March. He finished the season with 16 games played and is back in the full swing for the NBA Playoffs. It wasn’t an easy road, but Tatum is still an All-Star-caliber player for Boston.
DiVincenzo has a long recovery ahead, but the Timberwolves guard will have the Celtics’ superstar in his corner if needed.