‘Lost his damn mind’… Donte DiVincenzo called out over late LeBron James moment vs LA Lakers

Donte DiVincenzo had a dramatic end to the game for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

When Donte DiVincenzo looks back on Game 4 of the series with the LA Lakers, the Minnesota Timberwolves star will reflect on a chaotic fourth quarter.

And from an individual standpoint, he may consider that teammates Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards bailed him out by closing out the NBA Playoffs game.

With 2:11 remaining, Donte DiVincenzo drove to the rim and scored a lay-up, also earning a foul. It was a critical moment.

But then with 1:37 to go, DiVincenzo went back to the well again – and was made to pay.

Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

LeBron James slammed incredible block

Donte DiVincenzo’s lay-up attempt was ruthlessly blocked as LeBron James leaped between the rim to shut out his attempt.

A connection was instantly made with LeBron James’ block on Andre Iguodala in the 2016 NBA Finals, one of the all-time legendary play.

Former Cavaliers teammate Richard Jefferson was on commentary for the Lakers game, and remarked: “”It brings back some special, special memories,” after seeing his block on DiVincenzo.

It turned into a potentially important play, with the Lakers going straight to the other end of the court and Rui Hachimura scoring a three to re-take the lead.

Former star Kendrick Perkins called out the Timberwolves star for a lack of awareness.

He wrote on X: “Donte has lost his damn mind. No way in hell he thought that layup attempt was safe with Bron guarding him.”

Thankfully for the Timberwolves star it became a footnote in the game rather than the critical moment it appeared.

Minnesota closed out a 116-113 win, taking a series lead.

Lost his damn mind'... Donte DiVincenzo called out over late LeBron James moment vs LA Lakers

LeBron James struggled at the other end

With the Minnesota Timberwolves winning the game, the narrative took an immediate switch.

LeBron James scored 27 points – but none of his scoring came in the fourth quarter, and there was a clear reason for that.

JJ Redick remarkably decided to play the same five players for the entire second half, and the Lakers were outscored 32-19 in the fourth, a decision queried by Magic Johnson.

Perkins blasted, with a little exaggeration: “Rookie Mistake by JJ!!! Bron and Luka were dead tired… you’ve have to find time to get them some rest. Especially a 40 year old LeBron James who’s in his 100th season.”