Knicks Adjusting Roles as Playoff push Continues
New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo is adapting to a shifting defensive role as the team navigates injuries and roster changes.He’s increasingly being asked to guard opponents he wouldn’t typically focus on,a challenge he acknowledges requires adjustment.
“Sometimes I have to guard maybe the second or third option with a different unit. I’m usually guarding weaker guys on different teams,” DiVincenzo said. “But yeah, being asked to do that at some times, on different plays, it’s all an adjustment.”
With Miles McBride currently sidelined until the playoffs, the Knicks have a vacancy at the backup guard position.
Competition for minutes at guard also exists with the recent addition of Jose Alvarado, alongside Quentin Grimes and Tyler Kolek.
To date, Jalen Brunson has never played fewer minutes than he is currently.
“It’s not that big of an adjustment. But it takes some getting used to, without a doubt,” DiVincenzo said. “I’m in a whole new role and try to play the best role I can on this team.”
Several Knicks players are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Boston Celtics.Karl-Anthony Towns (right eye laceration), OG Anunoby (right toe soreness), and Josh Hart (right ankle soreness) are all uncertain to play.
towns and Anunoby previously missed the game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday due to these injuries.
Hart re-aggravated his ankle injury during the third quarter of that game and did not return.
alvarado is available to make his Knicks debut.
Related reading