Timberwolves Coach Addresses Jayson Tatum's Message to Donte DiVincenzo
The Minnesota Timberwolves lost one of their most important players due to injury amid the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets in the 2026 NBA playoffs. Donte DiVincezo suffered a non-contact injury in Game 4, which led him to leave the game.
Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, the combo guard suffered a torn Achilles tendon, the team confirmed shortly after. This forced the group to have various lineups to fill the void that DiVincenzo had left.
After it was confirmed that the former Villanova guard suffered an injury, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum sent a heartfelt message. Tatum had just recovered from the same injury, which he suffered in Game 4 of their second-round series against the New York Knicks. The one-time champion missed at least 10 months of action to rehab and returned to the Celtics' lineup late in the 2025-26 season.
Timberwolves Coach Chris Finch Appreciates Jayson Tatum's Message
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch respected what Tatum said about DiVincenzo. Before Game 5 against the Nuggets, he shared his candid opinions with reporters.
"Donte's kind of come to peace with what happened," Finch said. "The next steps and the long road that's ahead. Things went really well for him in the surgery. I think Jayson Tatum's comments, I thought, were super classy, kind and compassionate. Mean a lot. I know Donte has heard them. And he's been such a great example of what's possible... It certainly provides inspiration."
Chris Finch when asked about his communication with Donte DiVincenzo following his injury cited Jayson Tatum's comments.
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) April 28, 2026
"Jayson Tatum's comments I thought were super classy, kind and compassionate. Mean a lot. I know Donte has heard them. And he's been such a great example of… pic.twitter.com/ADjxoYBj6c
Through the four games he played in the postseason, DiVincenzo averaged 10.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists. He's also one of the top perimeter defenders for the Timberwolves, and losing him due to injury is a major blow.
After the Celtics' 128-96 win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, Tatum said this about DiVincenzo:
"I was definitely, like, sick to my stomach yesterday seeing him go down. I know exactly how he's feeling, I know exactly what he has to go through… He has me in his corner, whether he gonna like it or not. So I'll definitely reach out to him soon."
Jayson Tatum on Donte tearing his Achilles:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 27, 2026
"I was definitely like sick to my stomach yesterday seeing him go down. I know exactly how he's feeling, I know exactly what he has to go through. He has me in his corner, whether he gonna like it or not. So I'll definitely reach out… pic.twitter.com/dyV6qMkAAF
His former teammate, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, also offered a message following his injury. Brunson said that he reached out to DiVincenzo on Monday, after the successful surgery to repair the damage to his Achilles tendon.
"He seems to be in good spirits. He's formulating a plan, and I wish nothing but the best. It sucks to see. I think, honestly, after the game, that was like the first thing I heard. Looked it up and saw it. That's my brother. Tough to see, but he'll be back stronger," Brunson said.
"That's my brother. Tough to see, but he'll be back stronger."
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 27, 2026
Jalen Brunson on Donte DiVincenzo's Achilles injury: pic.twitter.com/t2xuMt6cmz
DiVincenzo and Brunson were teammates at Villanova, and both have had great careers in the NBA. They reunited in the 2023-24 season, when the former signed a four-year deal to join the New York Knicks. After one season, he was traded to the Timberwolves.
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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 6:54 PM.