A postgame comment from Mike Brown, along with recent rotation decisions, is raising questions about the role of fan-favorite guard Jose Alvarado for the New York Knicks.
Speaking after the Knicks’ 136-96 win over the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden, Brown pointed to a change at the backup point guard position, highlighting Miles McBride and Landry Shamet as the current options.
“I went with the combination of Landry and Deuce as the backup point guards,” Brown said. “We got those two guys out there and want to take a look at that.”
Mike Brown Signals Shift in Knicks Guard Rotation
Brown’s comments suggest the Knicks are adjusting their guard rotation as players get healthy.
“You know, Deuce is getting healthier, and Landry is getting healthy,” Brown said. “Trying to find minutes for those guys… is going to be a priority for me, because they’ve proven themselves this year for us.”
With McBride and Shamet returning to full strength, the Knicks have more depth in the backcourt, creating added competition for minutes.
Jose Alvarado Sees Limited Opportunity in Blowout Win
The change was evident in Friday’s game, where Alvarado did not enter until the fourth quarter after the Knicks had already built a large lead.
New York opened with a 20-1 run and led by 37 points at halftime — the largest halftime lead in franchise history — allowing Brown to go deep into his bench late in the game.
Alvarado played the entire fourth quarter, finishing with two points, four assists and three steals against Chicago’s reserve-heavy lineup.
Alvarado’s Production Highlighted Earlier Role
GettyJose Alvarado of the New York Knicks reacts to shooting a three-point basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden.
Before Friday’s win, Alvarado averaged 6.2 points, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals in 16.4 minutes per game across his first 25 appearances with the Knicks.
He made a notable impact in February during a comeback victory over the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden.
Trailing by 18 points entering the fourth quarter, the Knicks turned to Alvarado, who helped change the pace and defensive energy.
He recorded five points, three assists and three steals during a stretch that fueled a 14-2 run, cutting the deficit to two points.
Alvarado’s defensive pressure led to consecutive steals that resulted in transition baskets, helping tie the game at 103-103 late in regulation.
Knicks Fan Favorite’s Strong Showing in Spot Start vs Pacers
Alvarado also delivered in a spot start against the Indiana Pacers in March when Jalen Brunson was unavailable.
He finished with 16 points, 10 assists and a +21 rating, recording a double-double while shooting 5-of-10 from the field, including four 3-pointers.
The performance earned him Defensive Player of the Game honors and reinforced his role during a stretch when the Knicks were managing injuries.
Knicks Clinch Third Straight 50-Win Season
Friday’s victory secured the Knicks’ third consecutive 50-win season, the franchise’s first such run since 1991–95.
OG Anunoby led the scoring with 31 points, while Brunson added 17 points and 10 assists. Mitchell Robinson contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The Knicks have gone 9-0 against teams below .500 since the start of March.
Rotation Decisions Taking Shape Ahead of Playoffs
As the Knicks approach the postseason, improved health across the roster has created more competition in the backcourt.
Brown acknowledged Alvarado’s contributions during a stretch when the team lacked available guards.
“Jose’s done a fantastic job for us,” Brown said. “We haven’t had a lot of healthy guards, and Jose stepped in and did a nice job.”
Role Uncertainty Emerges for Fan Favorite
With McBride and Shamet now available, the Knicks appear to be leaning toward different guard combinations.
As the team continues to evaluate its rotation ahead of the playoffs, Alvarado’s role remains uncertain.
For now, the Knicks are prioritizing lineup decisions based on health and performance, with minutes in the backcourt becoming more competitive late in the season.
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