Mouhamed Gueye Isn’t Backing Down - And That’s Exactly What the Hawks Need
Mouhamed Gueye might not be the Atlanta Hawks’ top scorer or their go-to closer in crunch time, but make no mistake - he’s setting the tone. Night in and night out, Gueye brings a level of physicality and fearlessness that this Hawks team has leaned on all season. He’s not backing down from anyone, and he’s made that crystal clear.
Take Monday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Things got chippy - again - and of course, Gueye was right in the middle of it.
After a brief shove on Naz Reid, the two exchanged words that didn’t seem to stop. Reid, clearly frustrated, tried to body Gueye to the floor.
It didn’t work. Instead, Jock Landale, who was just trying to play peacemaker, ended up wearing the aftermath - three bright red scratches across his arm like he’d been in a catfight.
The moment was chaotic, the broadcast team was stunned, and Landale was left wondering how he got caught in the middle. But for Gueye? Just another day at the office.
This wasn’t his first dust-up - far from it. By now, it’s become part of his brand.
Gueye is the kind of player every team quietly wishes they had. He’s not just playing defense or setting screens - he’s setting a tone.
He’s the enforcer. And in today’s NBA, where that role has faded a bit, Gueye is bringing it back with a modern twist.
The Scuffles Stack Up
Gueye didn’t wait long to show he’s not one to mess with. In his very first non-garbage time appearance of the season - against the Orlando Magic - he found himself in the middle of a heated exchange with Paolo Banchero.
After fumbling a rebound, Gueye was approached by Banchero to retrieve the ball. Instead of handing it over, Gueye gave him a little elbow swing and got right in his face.
It didn’t escalate into anything major, but the message was loud and clear. And for what it’s worth, Banchero hasn’t made a field goal against Gueye all season, according to Databallr.
That kind of defensive edge? It sticks with guys.
It builds a reputation.
Then came the run-in with former teammate De’Andre Hunter. After Hunter threw down a vicious dunk and gave Gueye the kind of stare that usually ends in a technical, Gueye responded like a linebacker on a blitz.
He plowed right back through Hunter’s chest on the way down the floor. No punches, no ejections - just a hard, physical response that said, “Don’t try me.”
Aaron Gordon tried him too. In a matchup against Denver, Gordon took exception to Gueye’s physical defense and gave him a blatant shove.
Dyson Daniels stepped in, and Gueye followed up with some jawing of his own. It didn’t boil over, but once again, Gueye stood his ground against one of the league’s most physical forwards.
And then there was the Ja Morant moment. In a January game against Memphis, Gueye went up for a clean contest on Morant, who hit the deck.
As the ball bounced behind him, Gueye reached in for the jump ball. Morant, not thrilled with the contact, accused Gueye of putting him in a headlock.
The ref didn’t buy it, and Morant let his emotions fly - shoving Gueye, who spun around and got right in his face.
It was intense, but it was also telling. Gueye didn’t start it, but he wasn’t about to let it slide either. That’s the edge he brings - a willingness to stand tall, even when the opponent is a star.
Why It Matters
In today’s NBA, enforcers aren’t what they used to be. You don’t see many guys racking up techs or clearing benches like it’s the '90s.
But that doesn’t mean there’s no place for a tone-setter. What Gueye brings isn’t just about physicality - it’s about energy, accountability, and pride.
He’s still fighting for his place in the league, and he knows it. But he’s doing it in a way that rallies his teammates. Every time he stands up to a bigger name or refuses to be pushed around, it sends a message: the Hawks aren’t going quietly.
He might not fill the stat sheet every night, but Gueye’s presence is felt. And in a long NBA season, that kind of edge can be contagious.
Every team needs someone willing to do the dirty work, to stir things up, to protect the locker room’s identity. For the Hawks, that someone is Mouhamed Gueye.
And as long as he’s on the floor, you can bet Atlanta won’t be backing down from anybody.