Jose Alvarado described his first appearance with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden as an unforgettable experience, according to Dan Martin of the New York Post.
The newly acquired point guard emphasized how meaningful it was to suit up for his hometown team.
“Playing for the Knicks is a huge thing, but I’m literally a kid from the same streets the fans are, and to be part of everything here, it’s a blessing,” Alvarado said.
“It’s something I had to get used to and to get it out of the way, let’s get the ball rolling.”
While the moment carried plenty of emotion, the on-court results were more modest.
Alvarado scored four points and handed out five assists in 18 minutes during New York’s loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Still, he felt the experience helped settle his nerves after the long buildup to his Garden debut.
“I was nervous today, for sure,” he said. “There was a lot going on. I was glad I got it out the way. I can’t wait to come back and get better and win some games here.”
Alvarado has played 5 seasons for the Pelicans and Knicks. He has averaged 8.2 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 271 regular-season games.
Knicks Notes: Buyout Candidates, Anunoby, Diawara, Alvarado, Clarkson https://t.co/SuKqzdnp2U pic.twitter.com/q0HkXf6WSZ
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 12, 2026
