At the start of the Suns-Pelicans playoff series, it's unlikely many fans in Phoenix could even tell you the name Jose Alvarado.
Fast-forward to Game 5, and every time the Pelicans rookie touched the ball, boos cascaded from the seats at the Footprint Center. Apparently Suns fans are not fond of the aggressive, hounding defense Alvarado has subjected star Chris Paul to throughout the first-round action.
For the second consecutive game Alvarado forced an 8-second turnover on the future Hall-of-Famer. He also drew a questionable kick to the groin that went uncalled in the game, but will almost certainly be given a closer look by NBA officials. Paul also got called for his second technical foul in as many games after the 8-second violation. Paul finished with 22 points and 11 assists.
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Whether there's any discipline heading Paul's way for the kick remains to be seen, but there's no question Alvarado has firmly planted himself in the head of Paul and Suns fans, despite a 112-97 defeat and 3-2 deficit as the series shifts back to New Orleans for Game 6 on Thursday.
"Jose is incredible," Pelicans coach Willie Green said. "He's a fantastic defensive player. He's a fantastic player in general. He just climbs into guys and makes it tough on them."
Another thing that's for sure: Those boos will be replaced by cheers for Alvarado, and likely another barrage of noise lobbied at Jae Crowder and Paul from start to finish at the Smoothie King Center.