Knicks guard Jose Alvarado is known for his relentless energy, but during Game 3 of the NBA Finals, that hustle almost turned a billionaire into a human speed bump. As Alvarado dove for a loose ball in the fourth quarter, he came within inches of former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who was sitting courtside alongside Yankees legend Derek Jeter.
The moment quickly went viral, showing Bloomberg looking a bit startled as Alvarado slid past. But instead of holding a grudge, Bloomberg took to social media with a grin. “Great to meet NYC’s homegrown star, @AlvaradoJose15,” he wrote. “But next time, Jose, just call me. Let’s go Knicks!”
Alvarado, who grew up in Brooklyn, has become a fan favorite for his scrappy style. The play came as the Knicks were trailing 96-91, and though he didn’t come up with the ball, he certainly made an impression on one of the wealthiest men in the city. Bloomberg’s net worth is estimated at $109.4 billion, but for a split second, he was just another fan caught in the crossfire of playoff basketball.
The Knicks ultimately fell to the Spurs in Game 3, and while coach Mike Brown grumbled about the officiating, his players weren’t making excuses. Star Karl-Anthony Towns pointed the finger squarely at his own team. “That ain’t cost us the game. Turned the ball over. Didn’t execute,” Towns said. “Didn’t do what got us 13 straight wins in a row. That’s how you lose a game.”
The loss has sparked plenty of chatter beyond the court. Some fans have been quick to blame distractions, including the appearance of Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, while others pointed to Jalen Brunson's dad's sideline outburst as a sign of frayed nerves. But the Knicks insist they’re focused on what they can control.
Alvarado’s near-collision with Bloomberg was just one of several celebrity moments during the game. Timothée Chalamet’s unusual outfit also turned heads, but Bloomberg’s good-natured response stole the show. For a team facing a 2-1 series deficit, a little levity might be just what the doctor ordered.
Game 4 is set for Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET, and all eyes will be on whether the Knicks can bounce back. If Alvarado’s energy is any indication, he’ll be diving for every loose ball—just hopefully not into another VIP.
