Even on a team rich with talent on both sides of the floor, Jose Alvarado’s penchant for pickpocketing the NBA’s best ball handlers remains as prevalent as ever. Just two quarters removed from his first sneak-attack steal on the Los Angeles Lakers’ great floor general, the New Orleans Pelicans guard introduces “Grand Theft Alvarado: Vol. 2,” aligning in his stance on the other side of the floor before charging in for a signature swipe to sending the crowd into hysteria. Unwilling to let Alvarado’s energetic pursuits go to waste, the Pelicans cashed in on a 3-pointer, carving out a 16-point advantage in the fourth quarter. Alvarado’s vigor proved essential in helping New Orleans follow the train on the way to a year-ending victory on December 31, 2023, with the third-year guard chipping in eight points, three rebounds, four steals, two blocks, and a pair of 3-pointers. · Jan 1, 2024