NEW YORK – In a display of cultural connection and burgeoning rapport, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani shared an iftar – the traditional meal breaking the daily fast – with New York Knicks rookie Mohamed Diawara this past weekend. The gathering, held at Keur Yayeu Dara, a popular Senegalese restaurant in Harlem, marks a notable moment for both men and a potential turning point in the relationship between the mayor’s office and the Knicks organization.
The evening, reported by L’Équipe, wasn’t confined to the restaurant. Mamdani and Diawara also spent time shooting hoops at the Marcus Garvey Park playground in Harlem, offering a casual and engaging scene for onlookers.
This outreach comes after a somewhat contentious period between Mayor Mamdani and the Knicks. Prior to his election in November 2025, then-candidate Mamdani ran a campaign advertisement during a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden. The ad featured a modified version of the team’s iconic logo, replacing “Knicks” with “Zohran.” The Knicks swiftly responded with a cease and desist letter, asserting their brand protection and clarifying they did not endorse Mamdani’s candidacy. The incident even garnered national attention when former President Donald Trump briefly posted a similarly altered logo before deleting it, as reported by the New York Post.
Now, as mayor, Mamdani’s public engagement with Diawara signals a warmer relationship with the franchise. The gesture underscores the mayor’s commitment to engaging with diverse communities within New York City, and recognizing the contributions of its athletes.
Diawara, a 20-year-old French native drafted in the second round last year, has been steadily gaining playing time with the Knicks. He’s averaging 7.3 points in 15.9 minutes per game in March, shooting 39.3% from the field, and 34.3% from three-point range, according to reports. He recently posted 14 points against the San Antonio Spurs and followed that up with 10 points against the Utah Jazz.
The rookie has openly discussed the challenges and support he’s received while observing Ramadan during the NBA season. “The team is great with me,” Diawara told a Canadian journalist, as relayed by Complex. “They really put me in the best conditions to perform. Even during Ramadan, they help me a lot with room service at 4 a.m. And everything I need in terms of nutrients.” This support from the Knicks organization is crucial for athletes like Diawara who are balancing the demands of professional sports with religious observances.
Ramadan, a holy month of fasting and spiritual reflection in the Islamic faith, requires Muslims to abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. The iftar meal is a significant communal event, marking the complete of the daily fast and a time for fellowship. The end of Ramadan, celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, is anticipated to fall on either March 19th or 20th this year.
Zohran Mamdani, who assumed office in January 2026, previously served as a member of the New York State Assembly representing Astoria, Queens, from 2021 to 2025. Born in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian parents, academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, he became a U.S. Citizen in 2018. His political career reflects a commitment to progressive values and community engagement.
The shared meal and basketball session represent more than just a photo opportunity. It’s a demonstration of inclusivity and understanding, bridging the gap between city leadership and the athletic community. For Diawara, it’s a sign of support during a significant religious observance. For Mamdani, it’s a chance to build goodwill and demonstrate his commitment to representing all New Yorkers.
The Knicks are currently navigating a competitive Eastern Conference playoff race. Diawara’s continued development and contributions will be key as the team pushes towards the postseason. The team’s next game is scheduled for March 18th against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden. Fans can find the latest updates and schedules on the official NBA website and the Knicks’ team page.
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