Donte DiVincenzo Cites Factors Behind Knicks Best Month in 19 Years Despite Injuries

Donte DiVincenzo leads the New York Knicks to a 14-2 run in January, despite being plagued by injuries. They are now 31-17.

On his 27th birthday, Donte DiVincenzo woke up with a big smile as the New York Knicks sit third in the Eastern Conference with a 31-17 record. They completed a remarkable 14-2 run in January, achieving their most wins in a month since March 1994. Despite facing a series of injuries to their starting frontcourt, the Knicks managed to secure a 118-103 victory over the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden.

How did they accomplish this feat? According to DiVincenzo, it's a combination of having a deep team and following the blueprint set by Coach Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks have a strong identity, and everyone on the team is fully committed and holds each other accountable. This has created a sense of joy and celebration among the team, even in the absence of key players.

DiVincenzo has been a standout among the role players who have stepped up during the Knicks' surge. He scored a career-high 9 3-pointers on the eve of his birthday, helping to maintain the team's dominant form despite missing Julius Randle and OG Anunoby in their last two wins. Randle, Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson have all been sidelined due to injuries, leaving the Knicks without their starting frontcourt.

The Knicks' success is not solely attributed to individual performances. Jalen Brunson had an impressive game with 29 points and nine assists, but it's the collective effort of the team that has propelled them forward. DiVincenzo led six Knicks players in double figures with 33 points, and other players such as Josh Hart, Precious Achiuwa, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Quentin Grimes have also made significant contributions.

The team's strong work ethic and readiness to step up when called upon have been key factors in their success. Coach Thibodeau has instilled a defensive identity reminiscent of the Knicks' glory years in the '90s, as well as an unselfishness that characterized the championship teams in the '70s.

Since the start of 2024, the Knicks have had the best record in the NBA, leading the title-favorite Boston Celtics and the star-studded Los Angeles Clippers. They currently rank first in defensive rating and net rating, and sixth in offensive rating, despite injuries to key players.

While their success in January is impressive, the Knicks still have five months to get healthy and reach their peak. With their strong team identity and collective effort, they are well-positioned to continue their success as the season progresses.

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