The New York Knicks pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 on Wednesday, thanks in part to a huge coaching decision in the second half.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown and his staff decided to sub in sub six-foot guard Jose Alvarado into the game early in the fourth. Up to that point, he had only played five minutes in three quarters.
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That adjustment would prove to be a fantastic one.
As the Knicks were in the midst of a 29-point comeback, Alvarado provided a crucial spark in the fourth quarter.
After going scoreless through the first three, he came alive with eight points on 3-of-3 shooting in the final frame. Additionally, he grabbed two vital rebounds and dished out three assists, all in nine fourth-quarter minutes.
He was a major factor in New York’s historic 29-point comeback and Brown literally applauded Alvarado in his postgame press conference.
“Jose was unbelievable tonight,” Brown said. “He changed the game. His speed, his ability to test the paint. Again, you give San Antonio a lot of credit. They’re trying to throw a lot of different things at us defensively… and if you don’t close out Jose, as hard as he works on his shot, he’ll make you pay.”
His late numbers were impressive, but Alvarado contributed in other ways as well. Simply being on the court with his defensive prowess allowed Jalen Brunson to move more freely on the offensive end.
Alvarado’s ability to play much, much bigger than his size on the defensive end was on display as he helped the Knicks put the Spurs away.
He almost certainly won’t win Finals MVP and he may not get the credit he deserves, but Alvarado is grateful to be a part of something so historic.
“Just to be a part of this journey is amazing,” he said. “This is what I worked hard for, to be in moments like this and shine with it. So I’m glad it went our way today, and I’ll definitely remember this for the rest of my life.”
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
