New Orleans Pelicans rookie Jose Alvarado has frustrated the Phoenix Suns throughout their first-round series, and the undrafted guard has earned plenty of recognition on a national stage.
Specifically, Alvarado has been a pest on Chris Paul.
The former Georgia Tech standout is only averaging 6.3 points, 1.3 assists and one rebound in the series. However, it is his defense and energy off of the bench that has bothered the Suns and has given Paul problems in each game of the series.
Alvarado pulled off his “Grand Theft Alvarado” trick on him after sneaking up from behind and poking the ball loose in Game 4. He also forced an eight-second violation on Paul that proved vital in pulling out the win in that game. He did it once again in Game 5 to much fanfare.
Jose Alvarado forces ANOTHER 8-second violation!#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel on TNT pic.twitter.com/eUVj0YFVRc
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2022
Unfortunately, the Pelicans came up short on Tuesday and will face an elimination game in Game 6 on Thursday back in New Orleans. The Pelicans will need a total team effort and Alvarado will be among those that will need to have another strong outing to help force a Game 7.
Alvarado became a fan favorite throughout the season in New Orleans given his performance on a nightly basis. It is precisely that reason that he has seemingly become a villain among Suns fans and why he was booed each time he touched the ball Tuesday in Phoenix.
Outside of Phoenix, though, Alvarado has become a great storyline and had social media buzzing with his latest effort on Paul and the Suns, despite the loss.