Overview
- With OG Anunoby out due to a sore toe, Mohamed Diawara took the primary second‑half assignment on Jaylen Brown in the Knicks’ 111-89 road win.
- Diawara went 4-for-4 from the field, including 2-for-2 from three, for 10 points as New York outscored Boston by 22 during his 27 minutes.
- The Knicks coaching staff named him Defensive Player of the Game, marking the rookie’s first time receiving the postgame award.
- Coach Mike Brown cited Diawara’s length, physicality and foul-free pressure on Brown as keys to New York’s improved second‑half defense.
- Selected 51st in 2025, Diawara has surged as a two-way option, hitting 15 of his last 35 threes since Dec. 29 and 39.8% from deep on the season as veterans and coaches voice growing trust.