The New Orleans Pelicans played one of the most exciting games of playoff basketball ever on Sunday night and shocked the world with another victory against the Phoenix Suns.
Despite being the eighth seed, the Pelicans have now evened the series, 2-2, and stand a legitimate chance at taking down the number-one seed Suns.
The entire Pelicans team was on fire Sunday night and they all contributed to the massive win.
However, rookie guard Jose Alvarado was a major part of the triumph in New Orleans.
Jose Alvarado caused an 8-second violation on Chris Paul. 👀
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 25, 2022
One particular moment showed the value of Alvarado clearly.
A few minutes into the fourth quarter, Alvarado was all over Chris Paul as Paul attempted to make a play and bring the ball across the half-court line.
Alvarado’s defense was so strong and suffocating that Paul wasn’t able to move the ball across the line within eight seconds and received an eight-second violation, turning the ball over into the hands of the Pelicans.
It was an explosive moment for Alvarado and utterly embarrassing for Paul.
It also perfectly summarized the problems the Suns are having with the Pelicans.
Suns Burned Out
Phoenix is having some issues right now.
They are lacking star guard Devin Booker, who is sidelined indefinitely with an injury.
Meanwhile, they are meeting the unmovable force that is the Pelicans’ defense.
They didn’t have an answer for that defense on Sunday.
They were seemingly caught off guard by just how powerful and intimidating the young, up-and-coming team can be.
As for Alvardo, he had something to prove.
Earlier in the series, Alvarado attempted to steal the ball from Paul, who retained control and “waved” the rookie off.
Since then, Alvarado has been plotting how he could get his revenge.
He got it in spades on Sunday night – and he helped throw a huge monkey wrench into the Suns’ plans for a repeat visit to the NBA Finals.
NEXT: Pelicans Writer Makes Key Point After Huge Game 2 Upset