Knicks' Jose Alvarado shines in first MSG start amid Brunson's injury

The undrafted guard delivered a strong performance to help the Knicks cruise past the Pacers.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:58am

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With Jalen Brunson sidelined due to an ankle injury and neck strain, Jose Alvarado stepped up in his first start at Madison Square Garden, tallying 16 points, 10 assists, and 2 steals to lead the New York Knicks to a 136-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Alvarado, who was introduced as being from his high school alma mater Christ the King rather than his college Georgia Tech, provided the Knicks with energy, defense, and outside shooting off the bench this season.

Why it matters

Alvarado's strong performance in Brunson's absence highlights the Knicks' depth and ability to win without their star player, which could be crucial as they make a playoff push. The undrafted guard has carved out a solid role for himself in New York, providing a spark off the bench with his hustle and three-point shooting.

The details

Brunson, the Knicks' leading scorer, missed the game due to an ankle injury and neck strain. In his place, Alvarado stepped up and delivered a standout performance, scoring 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 4 three-pointers, while also contributing 10 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. Alvarado was introduced before the game as being from Christ the King High School, his alma mater in New York City, rather than his college Georgia Tech, where he was a two-time All-ACC selection and the 2021 ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

  • The Knicks defeated the Pacers 136-110 on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
  • Jalen Brunson had not missed a game since January prior to sitting out this contest.

The players

Jose Alvarado

A 27-year-old guard who has been a solid midseason addition for the Knicks, providing energy, defense, and outside shooting off the bench. He played four years at Georgia Tech, earning two All-ACC selections and the 2021 ACC Defensive Player of the Year award.

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' leading scorer, who missed the game against the Pacers due to an ankle injury and neck strain.

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What they’re saying

“I just wanted to show love to the school I went to in the city. Shoutout to my college, I'm grateful for my college, for sure. But it made sense for the first start in The Garden to represent the city where I was raised.”

— Jose Alvarado (SNY)

What’s next

The Knicks will look to continue their strong play without Brunson as they push for a playoff spot. Alvarado's performance could earn him more playing time, especially if Brunson's injury lingers.

The takeaway

Jose Alvarado's standout game in his first MSG start showcases the Knicks' depth and ability to win without their star player Jalen Brunson. The undrafted guard has carved out a valuable role in New York with his hustle, defense, and three-point shooting, and his performance could earn him more playing time as the Knicks make a playoff push.