Knicks' $9M Trade Deadline Acquisition Makes NBA History in 3rd Game

Jose Alvarado sets records with 26 points, 8 threes, and 5 steals in just 19 minutes against the 76ers.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In a 138-89 blowout win over the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks' trade deadline acquisition Jose Alvarado made NBA history by becoming the first player to record 25+ points, 5+ made threes, and 5+ steals in under 20 minutes of play. Alvarado, a Queens native, erupted for 26 points, 8 three-pointers, 3 rebounds, and 5 steals in just 19 minutes, igniting the pro-Knicks crowd in Philadelphia.

Why it matters

The Knicks acquired Alvarado, an undrafted free agent, from the New Orleans Pelicans at the trade deadline to bolster their backcourt depth and provide energy off the bench. His historic performance in just his third game with the team shows the Knicks may have found a diamond in the rough, and the $9 million contract they took on could end up being a bargain for a team pushing for a deep playoff run.

The details

Alvarado tied a career high with 8 three-pointers and added his trademark defensive chaos, including multiple deflections and his patented 'Grand Theft Alvarado' steal. The Knicks demolished the 76ers 138-89, with Alvarado igniting the team and the pro-Knicks crowd in Philadelphia.

  • Alvarado made NBA history in the Knicks' game against the 76ers on February 12, 2026.

The players

Jose Alvarado

A 26-year-old point guard who was acquired by the New York Knicks at the 2026 trade deadline in a deal that brought his $9 million contract to the team. Alvarado is a Queens native who starred at Christ the King High School before going undrafted and signing with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2021.

Mike Brown

The head coach of the New York Knicks.

Jalen Brunson

The starting point guard for the New York Knicks.

Karl-Anthony Towns

A teammate of Jose Alvarado on the New York Knicks.

T.J. McConnell

A point guard in the NBA who ranks first in backcourt steals since Alvarado entered the league in 2021.

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What they’re saying

“He was really, really good for us. He ignited us in many different ways.”

— Mike Brown, Head Coach, New York Knicks

“He was that Jose Alvarado you see on TV all the time.”

— Karl-Anthony Towns

“There was a lot of mixed emotions when I heard the news. It was exciting to come back home. Putting the Knicks jersey on is pretty surreal for me.”

— Jose Alvarado

What’s next

The Knicks will look to continue to maximize Alvarado's energy and production off the bench as they push for a deep playoff run.

The takeaway

The Knicks' $9 million investment in Jose Alvarado at the trade deadline is already paying dividends, as the undrafted point guard has made an immediate impact with his historic performance and energetic play. This move could end up being one of the smartest decisions by the Knicks' front office as they aim to build a contender around their young core.