Milwaukee Bucks fans everywhere flashed back to 2021 when Donte DiVincenzo went down in the Minnesota Timberwolves' recent Game 4 playoff matchup. While some held their breath, it was clear he was likely done for the season, and an official update would only confirm that the guard suffered a season-ending injury. It's not the first time he's suffered this fate this time of the year.
DiVincenzo has had a rough go in the first round
In 2021, DiVincenzo was poised to play a significant role for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Playoffs. Yet, three games in, the guard suffered a torn ligament in his ankle. It was clear right away that he was in pain. Pain that could end a season. Indeed, the guard was ruled out for the rest of the postseason after undergoing surgery to address the issue immediately.
In the cruelest fashion, it wouldn't be the only time this has happened to the guard.
In Minnesota's Game 4 meeting with the Denver Nuggets, DiVincenzo suffered a lower leg injury that immediately looked like a torn Achilles. While the guard walked off the floor on his own power, it was only a matter of time before it got confirmed. Shortly after, DiVincenzo was seen being wheeled off to begin what will be a lengthy rehab process.
Timberwolves hoping to follow in Bucks' footsteps
Despite losing Donte DiVincenzo so early, the Milwaukee Bucks went all the way and took home the title that season. The Timberwolves will hope they can follow the same blueprint, and they are off to a solid start with a commanding 3-1 lead over the Nuggets. To do so, players must embrace the "next man up" mentality to fill the gaps in DiVincenzo's absence.
It's exactly how the Bucks survived in 2021. With DiVincenzo knocked out of the starting lineup, the door swung wide open for P.J. Tucker to take his place. Tucker became an essential part of the plan, often taking on the most difficult defensive matchup while spacing the floor. Without him stepping up, the Bucks certainly don't win that title.
Minnesota needs their players to do the same, and Ayo Dosunmu has answered the call immediately. Dosunmu, who was ironically a trade deadline addition like Tucker was, stepped up mightily in no time at all, pouring in an astounding 43 points off the bench in Game 4. With DiVincenzo down, Dosunmu is destined to take his place as a starter and try to carry the Timberwolves in these playoffs.
Time will tell if the Timberwolves can end the season with the trophy like the Milwaukee Bucks did, but they are off to a good start. Just like the Bucks did by sweeping Miami, the Timberwolves are on track to overthrow a playoff opponent that has been a thorn in their side for years now.
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