New York Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson is enjoying playing alongside newly acquired teammate Jose Alvarado. He recognizes the positive impact that the five-year veteran is having on the team on both ends of the court.
“Grand Theft Alvarado” was acquired by the Knicks ahead of the trade deadline earlier this month from the New Orleans Pelicans as they looked to shore up their backcourt for a deeper run this season.
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And prop up the team’s attack is what Alvarado has been doing since arriving in the Big Apple. In the six games he has played to date, the former Georgia Tech star has been averaging 10.2 points, 3.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals in 21 minutes off the bench.
Apart from the steady numbers Alvarado has been providing, what excites Brunson even more about the newest Knick is the countless intangibles he brings to every game, giving their team more flexibility to make a thorough push.
Brunson moved to highlight it while speaking to reporters following their come-from-behind 108-106 home victory over Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets on Saturday.
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“More fun to play with him. Against him, I didn’t really know he was on the other team. You guys can tell him I said that, too. [But kidding aside] I really enjoy playing with him. He brings so much energy and so much life to our team. He does things that aren’t always on the stats sheet,” Brunson said.
Chargeback against the Rockets
The Knicks’ charge against the Rockets provided a clear view of the value of having Alvarado in their fold. Down by 16 points, 91-75, heading into the fourth quarter, Knicks coach Mike Brown used Jose to spark life, particularly on the defensive end, to give themselves at least a shot at making a comeback.
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True to form, Alvarado provided the jolt that the team needed, producing five points, three assists and three steals in 10:32 minutes in the fourth stanza as they fought their way back to the contest. Jalen used Jose’s spirited play to wiggle out of his offensive struggles earlier in the game, scoring eight points in the final quarter, including the basket that gave the Knicks the lead, 105-103, with 30 seconds remaining.
For the game, Alvarado finished with eight points, five assists and four rebounds in 19:51 minutes of action.
Proud to represent New York
More good news for Brunson and the Knicks: the Puerto Rico native raised in Brooklyn should only be expected to continue producing inspired play and finally be proud to represent his hometown team.
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“It’s always gonna [feel] amazing. It’s kind of like a pride thing I got. It’s like when I play for my national team [Puerto Rico] or my country, I’m playing for my hometown, and I’m always gonna have to represent on another level, and just compete,” Alvarado shared after the game.
Jose went on to say he understands why the Knicks traded for him and vowed to do whatever is asked of him to bring back the NBA title to New York.
“Sometimes it’s not gonna be shots falling, and you gotta do the little things, get steals, and do that. But it’s always gonna be a different type of motor when I put that jersey on. I’m from here, and I gotta represent the best way I can,” he said.
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Alvarado may not be the high-profile player the Knicks were looking for during the trade season, but he is shaping up to be a wise pickup that should keep their championship hopes in play.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.