Donte DiVincenzo explains how he stopped the shooting slump in the Knicks’ knockout win

Before Game 6, there were questions about Donte DiVincenzo’s place in the New York Knicks’ starting lineup. He silenced them all with his performance in the elimination win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

DiVincenzo played all 48 minutes and finished with 23 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals on 61% true shooting.

After averaging 9.8 points on 33/30/89 shooting in his first five games, he broke out of his slump when it mattered most.

DiVincenzo told reporters after the game that it was his defense that accelerated the offense.

“Honestly, he had nothing to do with the shooting. I immediately got into the game guarding Maxey,” DiVincenzo told the New York Post on May 3. “We made this adjustment and I was ready to go. Having a tough match like this, you have to be locked in from the start.

It was an adjustment made for Game 6, coach Tom Thibodeau having him guard Tyrese Maxey out of the gate.

“So I think that got me started early,” DiVincenzo continued. “And you know when you play with unselfish guys, you’re going to get open looks, so I never worry about making or missing shots. I think for me it was being stuck defensively, and that kept me going.

Think of it as one that worked in the Knicks’ favor. The series is over and they are headed to the semifinals against the Indiana Pacers.