Jose Alvarado Shines in Comeback Victory for Knicks

During Jose Alvarado’s initial four appearances with the Knicks, the team fared significantly better in their two away victories compared to their home losses at Madison Square Garden.

This time, the Brooklyn native truly made his mark at MSG, leading the team in a comeback from an 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 108-106 win against the Rockets.

Alvarado was pivotal in the critical moments, contributing to the team’s defensive revival late in the game. He scored eight points, recorded five steals, and achieved a plus-18 rating in just 20 minutes off the bench. The crowd responded enthusiastically, chanting “Jose, Jose, Jose” in appreciation.

“I always feel wonderful. That’s the pride I carry,” Alvarado expressed after the game. “I’m playing for my country and I need to represent at a higher level.”

With strong ties to New York, Alvarado’s gritty two-way play quickly won over the Garden crowd after joining from the Pelicans at the trade deadline.

In his first four games as a Knick, Alvarado’s standout moment came during a road victory against the 76ers, where he netted 26 points on 8-of-13 shooting from three-point range in 19 minutes. He also scored 12 points in his debut against Boston.

This performance starkly contrasts his initial two home games, during which he only managed 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting (including 0-of-8 from three). Known as “Grand Theft Alvarado,” he recorded seven steals in road wins but only one in the two home losses.

“I’m finding a real rhythm,” Alvarado remarked earlier this week. “It’s about spending time with the team, getting to know everyone better.”

Despite Jalen Brunson being on the bench, the Knicks found themselves down by 16 points in the fourth quarter. However, three-pointers from Landry Shamet, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Alvarado, along with a putback slam from Mikal Bridges, brought the Knicks within six with seven minutes left.

“You have to do the little things, get the steals. It’s a different type of engine when I wear this jersey. I’m from here, and I need to represent it well,” Alvarado stated.

He then narrowed the gap to just two points with a layup following a strip from Kevin Durant, and Brunson eventually tied the game with 1:27 left to play.

Coach Mike Brown credited assistant coach Rick Brunson for suggesting Alvarado enter the game at a crucial time, noting it was the right call that sparked the team’s performance on both ends of the floor.