“It’s amazing. I can’t really put it in words”
– Jose Alvarado after being asked what is was like to hear his name being chanted at MSG
Getty
Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks gestures against the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on February 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The New York Knicks are back in control. After dropping Games 2 and 3 by a combined two points, New York has responded with back-to-back dominant performances to reclaim the series lead. Tuesday night’s 126-97 demolition of the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden was the more commanding of the two, with the Knicks leading by as many as 32 and never letting the deficit dip below double digits in the second half.
Jalen Brunson was the headliner, pouring in 39 points including 17 in the fourth quarter to put any Atlanta comeback hopes to rest. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns added 16 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, and OG Anunoby contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds. New York outrebounded Atlanta 48-27 and held a 13-4 edge in fast-break points.
Off the bench, however, one player had a moment that went beyond the box score.
GettyJose Alvarado of the New York Knicks.
Jose Alvarado finished with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting in just 12 minutes of action. The numbers were solid. What stood out more, however, was the reaction he got every time he touched the floor. The MSG crowd was loud for Alvarado throughout the night, chanting his name in a building that has seen plenty of big moments this postseason.
A New York native competing for a championship in his home city, Alvarado did not take the moment lightly. Postgame, he was asked about the crowd’s response and kept it simple: “It’s amazing. Can’t really put it into words.”
That kind of connection between a player and a fanbase does not happen by accident. Rather, Alvarado has carved out a reputation as someone who plays with relentless energy on both ends of the floor, and Knicks fans have responded accordingly. Twelve minutes off the bench in a playoff game and MSG is chanting your name. That says something.
“It’s amazing. I can’t really put it in words”
– Jose Alvarado after being asked what is was like to hear his name being chanted at MSG
Brunson was measured in his postgame assessment despite the lopsided result. He acknowledged the series has been unpredictable and kept the focus on what comes next: “we’ve just got to be locked in for Game 6.“
That is the right mentality. Meanwhile, Atlanta took Games 2 and 3 by a combined two points and has shown it can compete in this series when the Knicks are not at their best. The Hawks are heading home for a must-win game Thursday night, and CJ McCollum, who was the catalyst for both Atlanta victories, finished with just six points Tuesday. He will not be held to that line again in Game 6.
Still, New York outshot Atlanta at 58.5% from the field in the first half and controlled the game from the opening tip. The Knicks need one more win to advance to the second round for the fourth consecutive season.
New York looks like the better team right now. The margin in Games 4 and 5 has made that clear. Still, Brunson is right to stay cautious.
Meanwhile, Alvarado gave the Knicks exactly what they needed off the bench Tuesday night. If Mike Brown goes back to him in high-leverage moments in Game 6, that trust will have been earned.
The series heads to Atlanta on Thursday. One win away.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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