Jose Alvarado reflected on a touching high school interview with Taylor Rooks after joining the New York Knicks, calling the moment a full-circle journey — even as the Knicks fell to the Detroit Pistons.

Stories around basketball are always special, and one adorable story recently surfaced involving Jose Alvarado.

Not long ago, the New Orleans Pelicans traded Alvarado to the New York Knicks in exchange for Dalen Terry and two second-round picks. The trade resurfaced a heartfelt high school moment with Taylor Rooks.

Alvarado starred for Christ the King High School in the 2017 SNY Invitational championship. He gave an on-court interview to Taylor Rooks after the game. “NBA on Prime” reporter Cassidy Hubbarth showed the clip to the Knicks guard before his Thursday night game against the Detroit Pistons.

The 27-year-old sent a wholesome message to Taylor Rooks after watching the interview.

“Taylor knew me since, you know, since I was there,” Alvarado said. “So I see her grow and me grow. So it’s amazing…. Taylor, I want to say congratulations on your role to where your success and everything.”

“But I remember that interview and you asked me, was I the best point guard in New York City? And at that time I said I think I am, but I’m keep on showing that I was supposed to be the best New York dog right there.”

Rooks responded to Alvarado’s words just a few minutes later via X (formerly Twitter).

“Man, this made me smile and almost cry!! Happy for Jose…always been a hardworker, elite defender, and the most confident on the floor. Thank you, @AlvaradoJose15. Welcome home!” Rooks wrote.

But the night didn’t end well for Alvarado and Co. as the Knicks suffered their third consecutive defeat to Cade Cunningham’s team, falling 111-126 to the Pistons at Madison Square Garden.

Jose Alvarado Reacts to the Knicks’ Third Straight Loss to Detroit

Jose Alvarado (Image Credits: Imagn)
The New York Knicks have had no answers for the Detroit Pistons in the 2025-26 season. Thursday’s 126-111 loss was New York’s third defeat to Detroit, completing a regular-season sweep. None of the losses have been close, with every game ending in a double-digit blowout. The Knicks previously fell 121-90 and 118-80 to the Pistons.

With the playoffs approaching, the Pistons are quickly becoming a troubling matchup for New York. However, Jose Alvarado isn’t concerned.

“Playoffs is a whole different ballgame,” Alvarado said after the game. “We’re not going to sit here and say, ‘oh, they beat us in the regular season…’ We’re not thinking like that.”

The Knicks eliminated Detroit in the first round last year. However, the Pistons sit at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 41-13 record and trail only the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in wins. On the other hand, the Knicks are third in the Eastern Conference with a 35-21 record.