The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a devastating setback during their Game 4 battle against the Denver Nuggets.
Right at the start of the game, the Timberwolves’ standout guard Donte DiVincenzo went down with an injury that head had the team fearing the worst.
After seeing DiVincenzo get wheeled out of the arena, it would soon be revealed that the starting guard suffered an Achilles tear. No matter how far the Timberwolves make it in the playoffs, DiVincenzo will not be a part of the action.
Julius Randle Reacts To The DiVincenzo Injury
“It’s tough when you go to war with somebody every night and you watch somebody compete the way Donte competes and prepares himself,” Randle told reporters. “Dude played all 82 games. He’s just the ultimate competitor.”
For the first time in his career, DiVincenzo played in every game. He was a full-time starter, averaging 30.2 minutes per matchup.
During his second season with the Timberwolves, DiVincenzo posted averages of 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
“What he brings to our team–to see that happen to him–it’s tough,” Randle continued. “It was hard to watch. Somebody who has been through some serious injuries myself, I understand the road that he has coming up, but I know he’ll be fine. I know he’ll battle through and he’ll come back better from it, especially at this point in the season, it’s tough to see that happen.”
The Timberwolves Are Up vs Nuggets
Minnesota will miss DiVincenzo for the rest of the playoffs, and will be without Anthony Edwards on a week-to-week basis.
Despite having two key injuries affecting their chances of making a deep run, the Timberwolves still have high odds of moving on to the second round.
After collecting a shocking win over the Nuggets in Game 4, the Timberwolves hold a 3-1 lead over Denver. If they can win in Colorado on Monday, the Timberwolves will punch their ticket to round two.