Jose Alvarado’s Knicks debut didn’t come with the roar of the Garden faithful, but it didn’t matter - the moment still hit home. Literally.
The Brooklyn native suited up for the first time in orange and blue on the road in Boston, and while the setting wasn’t New York, the significance wasn’t lost on him. “This is a blessing,” Alvarado said.
“I’m from here. My family never left the city.
… To be with a team that’s trying to contend for something and me be a part of it is pretty special.”
And just like that, Alvarado wasn’t just a Knick - he was in the mix. In Sunday’s 111-89 win over the Celtics, he logged 25 minutes off the bench, immediately carving out a role in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation. With Miles McBride sidelined following sports hernia surgery, Alvarado stepped in and brought his trademark energy and defensive grit to a Knicks backcourt that’s suddenly looking deeper.
His arrival also meant a shift for Jordan Clarkson, who saw just eight minutes of action in the blowout win. It’s been a tough stretch for the veteran guard - four DNP-CDs over the past couple of weeks, and now a role that’s clearly in flux. Clarkson acknowledged the adjustment, noting that he’s being asked to contribute in new ways on both ends of the floor.
“They’re asking me to do things defensively as well,” Clarkson said. “And then offensively, I got to figure it out and make stuff out of what comes in the offense.
It’s not like I’m featured in the offense or anything. I’m playing hard, I’m crashing the glass, figuring out different things - little things to be effective on that end.”
That’s the challenge for vets in evolving rotations - stay ready, stay professional, and find ways to contribute. Clarkson’s mindset reflects that: keep working, stay in the gym, and be prepared when the opportunity comes.
Celtics Still Finding Their Footing
On the other side of Sunday’s lopsided result, the Celtics are still working through the growing pains of a reshaped roster. Jaylen Brown didn’t sugarcoat it - there’s chemistry to build, and quickly.
Newly acquired center Nikola Vucevic had a modest stat line - 11 points and six boards off the bench - but the Celtics were outscored by 24 points during his 23 minutes on the floor. That’s not all on Vucevic, of course, but it underscores the adjustment phase Boston is in.
“We got to figure out the chemistry a little bit, the flow a little bit,” Brown said. “We want Vuc to be a little bit more aggressive … make him feel confident in taking those shots and where he can catch the ball.”
Vucevic has the skill set to be a real asset in Boston’s offense - a big who can stretch the floor, pass out of the post, and rebound. But integrating a new piece into a contender’s system midseason takes time.
Brown emphasized that the team will make the necessary tweaks, watch the film, and get better. That’s the process.
Brooklyn’s New Faces Get a Shot
Meanwhile, across the East River, the Nets are taking a flyer on a couple of young wings. Josh Minott and Ochai Agbaji arrived in Brooklyn as part of recent trades - salary cap maneuvering for Boston and Toronto, but potentially something more for the Nets.
Head coach Jordi Fernandez made it clear: these aren’t just warm bodies. They’ll get a real chance to show what they can bring.
“We know they’re very good players. That’s why they’re here,” Fernandez said. “Show me what you can bring to the group, and if you can be part of this group, you can be a future Net.”
Both Minott and Agbaji have flashed potential in limited NBA minutes - Minott with his athleticism and energy, Agbaji with his shooting and defensive tools. Brooklyn’s rotation isn’t set in stone, and with the team looking toward the future, this is a prime opportunity for them to earn a longer look.
Scottie Barnes: Sky’s the Limit
In Toronto, Scottie Barnes is already an All-Star - and according to Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, that’s just the beginning.
“Scottie is Defensive Player of the Year. He’s an All-Star.
He’s gonna be a Finals MVP. He’s going to be an MVP one day,” Rajakovic said after Barnes filled the stat sheet in a win over Indiana: 25 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks.
That’s not just coach-speak. Barnes has taken a noticeable leap this season, expanding his offensive game while continuing to be a disruptive force on defense. His versatility on both ends has been a bright spot for a Raptors team in transition, and Rajakovic clearly sees him as the franchise cornerstone.
Write it down, circle the date - the Raptors believe they’ve got a future MVP in the making. And if Barnes keeps stacking games like that, they just might be right.