Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado Revitalize Knicks Bench After Early-Season Struggles

Key facts

• Jordan Clarkson signed a one-year deal with the Knicks in July.
• Jose Alvarado was acquired from New Orleans on February 5.
• Clarkson was out of the rotation late in the regular season.
• Alvarado was benched in Game 1 against the Hawks.
• In the final three games of the series, Alvarado scored 21 points with five assists, five steals and a plus-24 rating.
• Alvarado shot 5-of-10 on 3-pointers in the series.
• Alvarado ranked first on the Knicks in steal percentage (5.3) and third in assist percentage (22.0).
• The Knicks defeated the Hawks 140-89 in Game 6 to clinch the series.

A Bench Reborn

The New York Knicks' bench, a question mark entering the playoffs, has emerged as a decisive advantage. After a regular season where both Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado found themselves out of the rotation, the two veteran guards have revitalized the second unit in the first round against the Atlanta Hawks. Their resurgence comes at a critical time. The Knicks closed out the series with a historic 140-89 victory in Game 6 in Atlanta, capping a three-game response to back-to-back one-point losses that had jeopardized their season.

From Out of the Rotation to Playoff Contributors

Clarkson, the former Sixth Man of the Year, signed a one-year deal with the Knicks in July but barely resembled his award-winning form late in the season. Alvarado, acquired from New Orleans on February 5, also lost his spot, benched in Game 1 against the Hawks. Yet both players provided much-needed sparks in the series. Alvarado, 28, made the most of his limited minutes, pestering the Hawks with relentless defense while rediscovering the shot that had caused head coach Mike Brown to lose trust in the New York City native.

Alvarado's Statistical Surge

In the final three games of the series, Alvarado scored 21 points with five assists, five steals and a plus-24 rating. He finished the series shooting 5-of-10 on 3-pointers, while ranking first on the Knicks in steal percentage at 5.3 and third in assist percentage at 22.0. These numbers underscore his impact on both ends of the floor. His defensive tenacity and improved shooting have given Brown increased flexibility as the Knicks prepare for the second round against the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers.

Depth Beyond the Starting Five

The Knicks' bench, featuring Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride alongside Clarkson and Alvarado, provides a depth that the team lacked in last year's run to the conference finals. The reserve unit's ability to maintain energy and production has been a key factor in the team's success. “We know how good the bench is and how good the team is,” Alvarado said this week. “We go out there and be ourselves and try to boost the energy. Whatever the team needs, the bench tries to provide that.”

Looking Ahead: Second-Round Flexibility

With the first-round series secured, the Knicks now face a formidable opponent in either the Celtics or 76ers. The revived bench, particularly the contributions of Clarkson and Alvarado, gives Brown more options in rotations and matchups. The team's ability to weather the loss of key players and still field a competitive second unit bodes well for the challenges ahead. The Knicks' depth, once a liability, has become a strength.

The bottom line

• Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado, both out of the rotation late in the regular season, became key contributors in the first round.
• Alvarado's defensive and shooting resurgence provided a critical spark off the bench.
• The Knicks' bench depth, including Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride, exceeds last year's conference finals roster.
• New York's 140-89 Game 6 victory highlighted the team's offensive firepower and defensive intensity.
• The Knicks enter the second round with increased flexibility due to their deep bench.