Mandy
The New York Knicks may have uncovered a promising new contributor in Mohamed Diawara, a rookie who is quickly making the most of his opportunities under head coach Mike Brown.
Drafted with the 51st overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, Diawara has begun to build momentum early in his rookie season, showing steady improvement each time he steps onto the court.
Mike Brown’s Trust Paying Off
Head coach Mike Brown has consistently shown faith in the young forward, and that confidence appears to be fueling Diawara’s growth.
“The more he’s on the floor, the more he’s comfortable,” Brown said.
Even with Miles McBride returning from an ankle injury, Brown opted to start Diawara for a second straight game on Monday night against the New Orleans Pelicans—a decision that proved to be well justified.
Career Night Against New Orleans
Diawara delivered his strongest performance to date, setting the tone early by scoring New York’s first five points.
He used his size to back down a defender for a layup and then confidently knocked down a three-pointer to give the Knicks an early edge.
The 20-year-old rookie stayed aggressive throughout the opening quarter, accounting for half of the Knicks’ points during that stretch. In just his first 13 minutes on the floor, Diawara poured in 13 points, keeping New York competitive.
“Mo kept us in that game knocking down some big shots,” Brown added.
Although his scoring slowed later, Diawara still finished with a career-high 18 points, shooting an efficient 7-of-9 from the field.
Encouraging Shooting Progress
Perhaps the most promising takeaway was Diawara’s shooting from beyond the arc. He went a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range, a major step forward after entering the game with just six made threes on 18 attempts this season.
That improvement highlights meaningful progress for the young small forward, especially as the Knicks look for consistent scoring options while dealing with injuries.
Teammate OG Anunoby praised Diawara’s performance and potential:
“It was awesome to see from him tonight. He’s just an amazing player and he’s only going to keep getting better and better.”
Why Diawara’s Development Matters
With the Knicks currently shorthanded, helping Mohamed Diawara find his rhythm could prove invaluable moving forward.
His confidence, efficiency, and willingness to take big shots suggest that New York may have found a long-term piece worth investing in.
Mohamed Diawara’s breakout performance is a strong endorsement of Mike Brown’s confidence in his rookie.
From his career-high 18 points to his flawless shooting from deep, Diawara showed clear signs of growth and poise. If this trend continues, the Knicks may have uncovered a hidden gem who can contribute far beyond expectations as the season progresses.
FAQs
How many points did Mohamed Diawara score against the Pelicans?
Diawara recorded a career-best 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting.
Why did Mike Brown start Diawara despite Miles McBride’s return?
Brown believed Diawara’s recent play and comfort level warranted another start.
What was most impressive about Diawara’s performance?
His perfect 4-for-4 shooting from three-point range showed significant improvement and confidence.