The Minnesota Timberwolves were dealt a potentially devastating early blow in Game 4 when guard Donte DiVincenzo exited with an apparent right lower leg injury just moments after tip-off against the Denver Nuggets.
DiVincenzo went down with a non-contact injury at the 10:41 mark of the first quarter, with Minnesota holding a 5-0 lead. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, DiVincenzo limped off the floor under his own power and headed to the locker room shortly after.
The timing and nature of the injury immediately raised concern, with early medical reactions pointing to a possible Achilles issue.
Doctors Flag Possible Achilles Rupture After Non-Contact Injury
Sports medicine experts quickly reacted to video of the play, noting that the mechanism strongly resembles a classic Achilles rupture—one of the most serious injuries in basketball.
“Yeah, looks like an Achilles for Donte :/ Doesn’t really mean much that he could walk off. Classic mechanism, pop etc,” said Dr. Brian Sutterer on X.
“Unfortunately this looks like classic mechanism for an Achilles rupture for Donte DiVincenzo,” added Dr. Evan Jeffries.
Non-contact injuries involving a sudden push-off or change of direction—especially early in a game—are often associated with Achilles damage.
Troubling Achilles Trend Raises Stakes for Timberwolves
The concern around DiVincenzo’s injury is heightened by a troubling recent pattern across the league. During the 2025 playoffs, three Eastern Conference stars—Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard—all suffered torn Achilles tendons, a shocking cluster of major injuries that sent ripple effects throughout the NBA.
While Lillard and Haliburton faced long and difficult recoveries, Tatum’s case stood out as a rare exception, as he managed a surprisingly fast return in under 10 months. The contrast underscores just how unpredictable Achilles injuries can be—and how severe the implications could be if DiVincenzo’s injury is confirmed.
Timberwolves Lose Key Playoff Contributor
The potential loss of DiVincenzo looms especially large given his production in the series. Through the first three games, he has averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists—serving as a critical two-way presence in Minnesota’s rotation.
His ability to space the floor, defend multiple positions and facilitate offense has made him one of the Timberwolves’ most reliable supporting pieces during the postseason.
Walking Off Not a Reliable Indicator
Despite DiVincenzo being able to leave the court under his own power, medical experts caution that this does not rule out a significant injury.
Players have, in multiple cases, been able to walk briefly after sustaining an Achilles tear before symptoms worsen. The hallmark signs—such as a sudden “pop” and loss of explosiveness—are typically more telling than the ability to ambulate immediately after.
Timberwolves Turn to Backcourt Depth
If DiVincenzo is unable to return, Minnesota will need to rely more heavily on its backcourt depth in a high-stakes playoff setting.
Guards Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland are expected to take on increased roles as the Timberwolves adjust on the fly against Denver.
Awaiting Official Diagnosis
The Timberwolves are expected to conduct further evaluation, including imaging, to determine the severity of the injury. An Achilles rupture would likely sideline DiVincenzo for the remainder of the postseason and potentially impact the start of next season.
For now, Minnesota awaits clarity—but early signs and expert analysis suggest the team may be bracing for a worst-case scenario.
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