Knicks Get a Wake-Up Call in Detroit-and a Shot of Grit in Jose Alvarado
BOSTON - Friday night in Detroit wasn’t just a loss for the Knicks-it was a gut check. For the second time this season, the Pistons didn’t just beat New York; they ran them off the court.
A 38-point blowout this time, following a 31-point drubbing back on January 5. That’s the kind of back-to-back beatdown the Knicks haven’t endured since the 1986-87 Bucks.
And while it’s easy to point to the missing names-Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Deuce McBride-it’s the lack of fire and physicality that stood out most.
Enter Jose Alvarado.
The newly acquired backup point guard didn’t make it to Detroit in time to suit up, but you can already see where he might fit in. The Knicks didn’t just look shorthanded Friday-they looked out-toughed.
Jalen Brunson, as steady and tough as they come, was swarmed all night by Detroit defenders, absorbing contact from every angle. And with Josh Hart clearly limited by a right ankle issue, the Knicks lacked the edge they’ve leaned on during their best stretches this season.
Alvarado, for all his 6-foot stature, brings that edge in spades.
“He just brings a level of toughness to the team,” said Mike Brown. “His energy is unmatched.
What he can do defensively-on the ball, in the pick and roll, in the full court-it’s what we need. We want to play fast, and he’s a guy who can push the pace, get us into our offense, and really set a tone.”
Alvarado’s reputation as a defensive pest isn’t just hype-it’s his calling card. He’s quick, low to the ground, and relentless. And while no one’s pretending he’s the savior, his presence could be the jolt this team needs, especially with McBride out for the foreseeable future following sports hernia surgery.
Let’s not forget: Alvarado’s also not afraid to mix it up. Earlier this season, he got hit with a suspension after going toe-to-toe-literally-with the Suns’ 7-foot-1 Mark Williams.
That’s not always the kind of toughness you want, but it’s the kind that says, “I’m not backing down.” And right now, the Knicks could use a little of that.
Jalen Brunson, who knows what it’s like to carry the weight of a shorthanded roster, sees the value.
“His passion, his intensity-it’s real,” Brunson said. “We’re excited to have him.
We only played each other a couple of times, and last time he was throwing haymakers, so we didn’t really get to go at it. But he’s one of those guys you always have to know where he is.”
A Test in Boston
Alvarado is expected to make his Knicks debut Sunday afternoon in Boston, and it’s a trial by fire. The Celtics sit just a game ahead of New York in the East, and they’ve been one of the conference’s most consistent teams all season. The Knicks, now in third, are still waiting on updates for Towns (laceration above his right eye), Anunoby, and Hart-all listed as questionable.
At full strength, this Knicks team has the pieces to contend. But that’s been the big “if” all season.
Against Detroit, the absences were glaring. In the first matchup, it was Hart who sat.
This time, Towns and Anunoby were out, and McBride’s absence looms large in the second unit.
That’s where Alvarado’s impact could be felt most immediately. He’s not expected to light up the scoreboard, but his ability to pressure the ball, push the pace, and set the tone defensively could stabilize a second unit that’s been in flux.
Deadline Decisions: How the East Got Tougher
While the Knicks made a move around the margins, other Eastern Conference contenders didn’t sit still at the deadline-and that could make the playoff path a little rockier.
Detroit Pistons: The Pistons made a Knicks-like move, adding Kevin Huerter to bolster their shooting. Dario Saric came along in the deal, though he’s likely to be waived.
Giving up Jaden Ivey carries some risk, but he hadn’t quite clicked in Detroit’s system. Huerter’s floor spacing could pay off in the postseason.
Grade: B.
Boston Celtics: The Celtics pulled off one of the more impressive deals, trimming their luxury tax bill while adding a skilled offensive big in Nikola Vucevic. He’s not the All-Star he once was, but he’s still producing-averaging 16.9 points and 9 boards in 48 starts for Chicago.
For a team that needed frontcourt scoring, it’s a savvy move. Grade: A.
Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavs went all-in, shaking up their core by moving Darius Garland and DeAndre Hunter. In return, they landed James Harden-healthier, bigger, and still a dangerous offensive weapon.
They also added Keon Ellis for defense and Dennis Schroder for veteran grit. It's a bold swing, but one that could pay off.
Grade: A.
The Backup Battle
With McBride out, there’s a natural opening in the rotation-but Tyler Kolek knows nothing is guaranteed. The rookie has had his moments this season, showing flashes as a tempo-changing guard. But Alvarado’s arrival adds another layer of competition.
“I’m just trying to do the same thing I’ve always been doing,” Kolek said. “Whatever the team needs, I’m ready.
I want to get in there, change the pace, get guys the ball. I’m excited to learn from Jose.
Last year, Delon Wright came in and really helped me. This is another chance to grow.”
Kolek’s mindset is the right one. On a team with playoff aspirations, nothing is handed out.
Minutes are earned. And while Alvarado might take some of his floor time, the competition can only sharpen both players.
“There’s always competition in this league,” Kolek added. “We’re trying to be a championship-level team.
You’ve got to bring in talent. I’m going to compete every day.
He’s going to compete. That’s how it works.”
Bottom Line
The Knicks are still in a strong position in the East, but Friday night’s loss was a reminder: depth matters, toughness matters, and the margin for error is razor thin. Alvarado may not be the missing piece, but he’s the kind of player who can help hold things together while the stars get healthy.
And come Sunday in Boston, we’ll get our first look at just how much grit he can bring to a team that could use a little more bite.