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Jose Alvarado reveals funny exchange with Shaquille O'Neal after fighting Mark Williams
TL;DR
Jose Alvarado, now with the New York Knicks, recalls a humorous exchange with Shaquille O'Neal following his fight with Mark Williams during the 2025-26 season. Despite facing a size disadvantage and receiving a suspension and fine, Alvarado has no regrets about the incident.
Jose Alvarado reveals funny exchange with Shaquille O'Neal after fighting Mark Williams originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jose Alvarado might be playing for the New York Knicks now, but most people remember his 2025-26 season for one event. That was when he was playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, and he had a physical fight against Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams.
Alvarado had a significant size disadvantage against the big man, but he still had that fight that got him a suspension. Despite that, he does not regret that moment, but he did have to pay a significant fine for what happened.
Jose Alvarado reveals his interaction with Shaquille O'Neal after viral fight
In December, Alvarado made the headlines with his fight against Williams. Over the years, Alvarado has been known to be one of the peskiest defenders, but he has also proven that he is never scared, no matter the opponent.
He had no issues standing up to a player significantly taller than him. That kind of heart is rare for athletes, especially when there is a size difference between him and a true center like Williams.
MORE:Jose Alvarado posts a fresh stat line that was never done before
Unfortunately, that kind of thing does not go unpunished in the NBA. Alvarado had to part ways with around $36,000, which NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal deemed as chump change, but Alvarado disagreed.
"Shout out to Shaq, he called me right away. He said, 'That's how you do it, young fella. Don't worry, that's chump change.' Shaq, it's a different payroll over here," Alvarado said on 7PM in Brooklyn.
Alvarado brings up a valid point because there is a huge difference for role players like him when it comes to paying fines. He is not as loaded as players like Jalen Brunson multiple millions per season. However, Alvarado still found the fun in his exchange with the three-time Finals MVP.
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Q&A
What happened between Jose Alvarado and Mark Williams during the 2025-26 NBA season?
Jose Alvarado had a physical fight with Mark Williams, which resulted in a suspension and a significant fine for Alvarado.
How did Shaquille O'Neal react to Jose Alvarado's fight with Mark Williams?
Jose Alvarado revealed that he had a funny exchange with Shaquille O'Neal after the fight, although specific details of the exchange were not disclosed.
What team does Jose Alvarado play for now after his fight with Mark Williams?
Jose Alvarado currently plays for the New York Knicks after previously playing for the New Orleans Pelicans during the fight with Mark Williams.