Donte DiVincenzo Criticizes Pacers Following Altercation: 'They're Attempting to Act Tough'

The New York Knicks took a significant step towards the Eastern Conference finals by clinching a decisive victory in Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden, securing a 121-91 win.

The Knicks displayed dominance throughout the game, although the Pacers managed to trim the lead to just seven points early in the second half. However, New York responded emphatically with a scoring spree of their own, effectively sealing the game.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, the intensity remained high, leading to several heated confrontations between players. One notable incident occurred in the third quarter when Donte DiVincenzo electrified the crowd with a powerful put-back dunk. Following the play, DiVincenzo engaged in a heated exchange with Pacers center Myles Turner, reflecting the escalating tensions between the two teams throughout the series.

Donte DiVincenzo dunks on the Pacers then gets into it with Myles Turner pic.twitter.com/evmuNWWO6Y

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 15, 2024

Following the game, DiVincenzo brushed off the Pacers' aggressive demeanor, describing them as all talk and no action. "They’re trying to be tough guys, and that’s not their identity. There was nothing more to that," DiVencenzo said of the exchange while speaking with reporters in the locker room. "I don’t agree with trying to walk up on somebody. Nobody is going to fight in the NBA. Take the foul, keep it moving. You’re not a tough guy, just keep it moving."

Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein, who consistently supported DiVincenzo during the game amid interactions with the Pacers, emphasized his commitment to defending his teammates.

"They're like family to me," Hartenstein stated. "No matter the circumstances, I'll always have their backs. I was a bit cautious during the last incident, as I didn't want to receive my second technical foul, but we'll always stand up for each other."

Isaiah Hartenstein talks about getting in Isaiah Jackson's face and standing up for Donte DiVincenzo and his teammates:

"They're also family to me. If something happens to them, it doesn't matter what kind of situation it is, I'm always going to stick up for them." pic.twitter.com/3mqnfh6PG2

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 15, 2024