The New York Knicks just won their first NBA championship in over five decades, and Brooklyn native Jose Alvarado is celebrating like he’s got a lifetime supply of free rum. Less than 24 hours after closing out the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5, a shirtless, clearly intoxicated Alvarado showed up at the annual Puerto Rico Parade in New York City — and he wasn’t shy about his condition.
“Yo I’m blessed. And really drunk,” Alvarado shouted into a microphone, drawing roaring cheers from the crowd. Video of the moment quickly spread across social media, with fans eating up the raw, unfiltered joy of a hometown kid who just reached the pinnacle of his sport.
For Alvarado, this parade was personal. He’s the only New York-born player on the Knicks roster, and his presence has galvanized the city’s massive Puerto Rican community. After the Knicks’ 94-90 win over the Spurs in Game 5, he brought out the Puerto Rican flag during the on-court celebration — a gesture that resonated deeply with fans who see him as one of their own.
“I have no words. It’s special. It’s something we’re going to celebrate for the rest of our lives,” Alvarado told Gotham Sports’ Monica McNutt after the closeout victory. “I’m happy we achieved it, and the way we did it made it even more special.”
The Knicks’ championship run was anything but predictable. After falling behind by 29 points in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden, Alvarado emerged as a spark plug off the bench, helping orchestrate one of the greatest comebacks in NBA Finals history. Known as “Grand Theft Alvarado” for his knack for picking pockets, the 6-foot guard was a defensive menace throughout the series, finishing as one of the team’s leaders in steals.
While Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns drew most of the headlines, Alvarado’s energy and tenacity became the heartbeat of the Knicks’ identity. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and ignite fast breaks gave New York a weapon that Spurs coach Gregg Popovich never fully solved.
The Puerto Rico Parade is an annual tradition that draws thousands of flag-waving fans through the streets of Manhattan. This year, Alvarado turned it into an impromptu championship block party. Thursday’s official Knicks victory parade is expected to draw even larger crowds — and if Alvarado’s current pace is any indication, he might need a designated driver for that one too.
As for his hangover? Well, when you’re a champion and suddenly the most popular guy in the city, the headaches are probably worth it.
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