Knicks Rookie Mo Diawara Shines Against Wembanyama's Spurs

Diawara's fearless play and confidence impress Knicks coach Mike Brown in national TV matchup.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a big win for the New York Knicks over the San Antonio Spurs on national television, rookie Mo Diawara stood out with 14 points in 14 minutes of play. Knicks coach Mike Brown praised Diawara's confidence and poise, saying the young player is 'the most confident young man I've been around' and has a chance to be 'really good.' Diawara's aggressive play, including 13 three-point attempts, came at the expense of more experienced teammate Jeremy Sochan, who only played 2 minutes.

Why it matters

The Knicks have invested heavily in building a contending team, trading away many future draft picks. Diawara's emergence as a confident and capable young player is an important development, as the Knicks look to maximize their current roster and compete in the playoffs.

The details

Diawara, the 51st overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, scored 14 points on 14 shot attempts, 13 of which came from behind the three-point line. His aggressive and fearless play stood out in a game led by Knicks veterans Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson. Knicks coach Mike Brown praised Diawara's confidence, saying he's 'the most confident young man I've been around' and has a chance to be 'really good.' Meanwhile, former Spur Jeremy Sochan only played 2 minutes, as Brown looks to integrate and evaluate his options ahead of the playoffs.

  • The Knicks defeated the Spurs on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Mo Diawara

A 51st overall draft pick in 2025, Diawara is a rookie for the New York Knicks who stood out with his confident and aggressive play in a nationally televised game against the Spurs.

Mike Brown

The head coach of the New York Knicks, who praised Diawara's confidence and potential, saying the rookie has a chance to be 'really good.'

Mikal Bridges

A veteran Knicks player who led the team's scoring efforts against the Spurs.

Jalen Brunson

A veteran Knicks player who has played well against the Spurs throughout his Knicks tenure.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' leading rebounder in the game against the Spurs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“First thing I would say, is, Mo is not afraid. I've said this to you guys before, for a young guy, I've thrown him out there in games, to start, on national TV. He didn't bat an eye. He might start three games in a row, then he might not play the fourth game. He doesn't bat an eye. He is the most confident young man I've been around. And he's got a chance to be- not good, really good.”

— Mike Brown, Head Coach, New York Knicks (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

The Knicks will continue to evaluate their roster options, including Diawara and Sochan, as they prepare for the playoffs.

The takeaway

Diawara's fearless and confident play against the Spurs on national TV is an encouraging sign for the Knicks, who have invested heavily in building a contending team. His emergence could provide a boost as the Knicks look to maximize their current roster and compete in the playoffs.