New York City natives are known for their ability to dream big and blue sky about what they could accomplish. As the New York Knicks pulled off the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history with a 107-106 Game 4 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, it became clear that guard Jose Alvarado was in the middle of a special night that would solidify his place as a Big Apple icon.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ key plays, Jalen Brunson’s 36 points, and OG Anunoby’s timely tip-in may be at the forefront of fans' and pundits’ minds, but the Brooklynite’s eight points, two rebounds, and three assists were part of a showing that won’t soon be forgotten.
Despite being a member of the lowly New Orleans Pelicans when the regular season started, the former Christ the King standout found himself in the middle of the game’s greatest comeback at the World’s Most Famous Arena on Wednesday night.
Many might have pictured him making an impact when the Knicks acquired him ahead of February’s deadline, but few could have predicted that his presence alongside Brunson would change the tone of a game that seemed over before it had truly started.
“I think he did a great job of coming in and changing the game,” Brunson said. “I’ve always said this: The work ethic these guys have in the locker room allows them to be prepared whenever their number’s called. And the way he came in and changed the game and did the things that he did was great, and he did literally everything.”
Jose Alvarado’s gritty Game 4 performance was a New York fairytale
New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado (5) reacts in the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs during game four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The 28-year-old did more than what can be gleaned from the box score. While New York erased a 29-point deficit, the Georgia Tech product played stingy defense and made timely offensive plays.
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Alvarado played roughly 16 minutes on the night, with just over nine of them coming in the final quarter. During his time on the floor, he was tasked with staying in front of the Spurs’ shifty guards and occasionally keeping up with Victor Wembanyama on defensive switches.
With the Knicks trailing by 20 with just over seven minutes left in regulation, Alvarado nailed a 3-pointer to begin an 8-0 Knicks’ run. Later in the fourth quarter, he scored five straight points to help New York pull within four with 3:07 remaining.
“Jose was unbelievable tonight,” Knicks head coach Mike Brown said after the comeback. “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. If you close out on him, he’s quick enough to go by you, and he made some great basketball plays offensively tonight.”
The Knicks are one win away from securing the franchise’s first title since 1973. It remains to be seen who could make their mark in a potential clincher, but one of New York’s favorite sons has already carved out a unique status in New York sports history. The City That Never Sleeps always appreciates a hometown hero, and Alvarado has presented himself as a testament to the town’s perseverance.
“I'm not going to sugarcoat this: I was about to cry, not because — obviously there is one more, but I'm at Madison Square Garden, end of the fourth quarter, playing with these guys, and we’re playing for something special,” Alvarado said.
“I was just — I was just excited. It's really something I couldn't put in words. And like I said, we could get excited and enjoy this, but we got one more to do.”
New York City natives are known for their ability to dream big and blue sky about what they could accomplish. As the New York Knicks pulled off the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history with a 107-106 Game 4 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, it became clear that guard Jose Alvarado was in the middle of a special night that would solidify his place as a Big Apple icon.