Overview
- Coach Mike Brown confirmed the switch, saying the team needed a true point guard to settle a bench unit that was getting disorganized.
- Jose Alvarado, who was out of the late-season rotation and did not play in Game 1, earned the role with on-ball control and disruptive defense.
- In Game 4, Alvarado hit two three-pointers, recorded three steals, and steadied the second unit in 14 minutes.
- Landry Shamet’s minutes fell from 18 and 10 in Games 1 and 2 to three in Game 3 and only garbage-time in Game 4, after shooting 30.2% from three since March 1.
- Brown indicated he will remain flexible as the 2–2 series continues, but Alvarado currently holds Shamet’s spot in the rotation.