Matched up against two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry, New York Knicks point guard Emmanuel Mudiay flashed star potential of his own.
The New York Knicks entered Monday, Feb. 26 with a need for optimism. The organization lost its franchise player mere days before the 2018 NBA trade deadline, and in the weeks that have followed, the absence of Kristaps Porzingis has sent shockwaves throughout the organization.
While most expected Monday’s game against the Golden State Warriors to add to New York’s misery, it actually provided a new reason for optimism: Emmanuel Mudiay.
The Knicks acquired Mudiay on the day of the 2018 NBA trade deadline. It was a generally applauded move, as New York traded Doug McDermott‘s expiring contract and a future second-round draft pick for a former lottery choice.
It’s still early in his tenure, but Mudiay is already beginning to justify the investment made by general manager Scott Perry.
During his two-and-a-half seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Mudiay acquired the reputation of one of the more underwhelming top-10 draft picks in recent history. It was earned in some regards, but his progress was often overlooked and under-appreciated.
Matched up against two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry and the Warriors, however, Mudiay flashed the potential that the Knicks invested in.
New York fell 125-111 to the Warriors, but that was a virtual inevitability. With or without Porzingis, the Knicks would be undermanned in comparison to a franchise that starts four All-NBA players in the prime of their respective careers.
Despite the odds being stacked against him, Mudiay took it upon himself to put forth one of the better performances of his NBA career thus far.
Mudiay torched the Warriors in the first half, ultimately finishing with 20 points, seven assists, two rebounds, two steals, and a block in 31 minutes of action. He shot 8-of-15 from the field, 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, and 1-of-2 from the free throw line.
More from Daily Knicks
- Former New York Knicks center gets real about 2013 playoff shortcomings
- When is the deadline for the Knicks to extend Immanuel Quickley?
- 3 Rumored Knicks trade targets not worth giving up RJ Barrett for
- Bill Simmons ‘guarantees’ Knicks will have one of three stars by next year
- How to watch New York Knicks players compete for bronze at World Cup
After going 0-of-13 from three-point range during his first five appearances with the Knicks, Mudiay proved that he’s capable of shooting efficiently during Monday’s strong showing.
It’s worth noting that Mudiay has been working with head coach Jeff Hornacek to improve his shooting form. Hornacek, of course, was a poor three-point shooter who took drastic measures to develop into one of the most efficient marksmen in NBA history.
Their early work seems to be paying off, as Mudiay shot with confidence and patience during the clash with Golden State.
If Mudiay can maintain a solid level of efficiency from distance, the rest of his game will fall into place. He can take his man off the bounce at virtual will, and is a dynamic playmaker who can make crisp passes from difficult angles.
If Mudiay can consistently convert the outside shot, opposing defenses will no longer be able to go under the pick and roll—a reality that would open new possibilities for the Knicks as a team.
Must Read: 3-and-D wings to know before March Madness
The question is: Can Emmanuel Mudiay maintain the progress he’s already making with Jeff Hornacek and the New York Knicks?