Knicks on the Brink of Championship After Major Upset
The New York Knicks are closing in on their first NBA Championship in 53 years, having stunned many with one of the biggest upsets in Finals history. They now lead the series 3-1 against the San Antonio Spurs, who were expected to provide a tough match. The decisive game is set for Saturday night in San Antonio.
In contrast to the Spurs, who benefited from a strong draft class, the Knicks have taken a different path. Key players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby—who shone in Game 4—were all acquired through trades. Jalen Brunson also emerged as a critical piece, having been a shrewd free-agent signing that helped redefine Knicks basketball. Additionally, another crucial player, Jose Alvarado, joined the team just before the February trade deadline.
Alvarado, beloved by fans of the New Orleans Pelicans, came to the Knicks in a deal involving Darren Terry, some cash, and a few second-round picks. Known for his relentless hustle and scrappy defense, he’s another ball-handler alongside Brunson, capable of applying pressure on the rim. Their synergy during the regular season was evident as they played a total of 114 minutes together over 20 games, though they had not logged any minutes together in the playoffs until recently.
This all changed dramatically when Knicks head coach Mike Brown made a pivotal decision during Game 4, demonstrating exceptional coaching in the Finals.
Throughout the playoffs, Brunson and Alvarado had faced inconsistent playing time, particularly during a challenging first half in Game 4. Alvarado struggled to find his rhythm, spending just three minutes on the court, committing two fouls, and making a questionable turnover that appeared more like a bad pass.
As the Knicks trailed by 19 points late in the third quarter, Brown paired Brunson with Alvarado. Remarkably, Brunson played nearly every defensive possession in the second half, while Alvarado logged his most significant playing time of the postseason. Together, they created an offensive spark that left the Spurs in disarray.
By the fourth quarter, Alvarado had made a notable impact, scoring eight points and shooting perfectly while the Spurs struggled to find their footing. In fact, he scored as many points by himself as the entire Spurs team managed in the second half. This change in strategy led to a +19 point differential for the Knicks during the time both players were on the court.
After the game, Brown expressed his admiration for Alvarado, mentioning, “I know many of you can’t do that… I’m going to clap for Jose,” acknowledging his outstanding performance.
Brown continued, praising Alvarado for his explosive speed and playmaking ability, which made a noticeable difference against the Spurs’ defensive schemes. He emphasized how Alvarado could provide essential support and relief for Brunson, especially in high-pressure situations where the opponents escalated their defensive tactics.
Additionally, Brown noted that Alvarado’s proficiency in pick-and-roll situations created greater opportunities for the offense to thrive, allowing Brunson to find his rhythm while Alvarado occupied space on the floor that other players may not have filled as effectively.
Brown, searching for a breakthrough against the Spurs’ defense, had previously faced setbacks, especially with Towns limited due to foul trouble affecting the bench depth. Looking for a change, he made the call to utilize Alvarado in a way that sparked the offense, a contrast to the previous approaches that had been less effective.
On a memorable night at Madison Square Garden, the decision to position this local player alongside the Knicks’ star could turn out to be a game-changing move in this championship run.
