In a game filled with drama and intensity, Puerto Rico’s star point guard, Jose Alvarado’s injury incident during their first match of the Paris Olympics. The game, which ended in a 79-90 loss against South Sudan at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France, saw Alvarado putting in a heroic effort before being forced off the court.
Alvarado’s injury occurred just before halftime, putting a damper on Puerto Rico’s promising start. The New Orleans Pelicans star went down clutching his right ankle, writhing in pain. The 26-year-old attempted to stand but couldn’t bear weight on his right foot, necessitating assistance from two team trainers to reach the locker room.
París 2024: sacan con asistencia a José Alvarado de la cancha. Parece rodilla derecha. Faltan 3.5 segundos de la primera mitad. pic.twitter.com/cmNvpoUmhs
— Fernando Ribas (@deportespr) July 28, 2024
At halftime, Puerto Rico led South Sudan 54-48, largely due to Alvarado’s stellar performance. He scored 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, grabbing two rebounds and dishing out two assists in just over 16 minutes on the floor. His presence had a palpable impact, evidenced by his +9 plus/minus rating.
Bad news for Puerto Rico as Jose Alvarado was rolling in pain on the floor holding his ankle and then had to be helped to the locker room by two trainers.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 28, 2024
Despite not starting the second half, Alvarado was back on the bench, testing his injured ankle. Showing remarkable resilience, he reentered the game in the third quarter. Though visibly hobbled, the 26-year-old pushed through the pain, contributing seven points in the quarter and keeping Puerto Rico competitive as South Sudan surged ahead.
Alvarado’s grit was evident, but the injury hampered his effectiveness. He sat out the start of the fourth quarter and checked back in with six minutes left, but his impact was limited. South Sudan, capitalizing on their momentum and Puerto Rico’s faltering defense, secured a historic victory in their Olympic debut.
Alvarado finished the game as the leading scorer with 26 points in 32 minutes of play. He shot 9-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-8 from three-point range, and made 5-of-6 free throws. Additionally, he contributed two rebounds, five assists, and two steals, demonstrating his all-around game despite the injury.
For South Sudan, Carlik Jones led the way with 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting. Former Lakers player Wenyen Gabriel also had a significant impact, scoring six points, grabbing nine rebounds, dishing out two assists, and recording two blocks and one steal.
Jose Alvarado’s performance was nothing short of heroic. Playing through obvious pain, he exemplified the spirit of competition and dedication to his team and country. His initial dominance in the game showed why he is a critical player for Puerto Rico and the New Orleans Pelicans.
However, the decision to allow Alvarado to return to the game despite Jose Alvarado’s injury raises questions. While his determination is commendable, one must consider the long-term implications of playing on an injured ankle. The risk of aggravating the injury could have far-reaching consequences for both his Olympic campaign and his professional career with the Pelicans.
The game also highlighted the growing competitiveness in international basketball. South Sudan’s victory in their Olympic debut is a testament to the increasing talent and skill level of teams outside traditional powerhouses. This win not only marks a significant achievement for South Sudan but also signals a shift in the global basketball landscape.
As for Puerto Rico, the loss is a setback, but Alvarado’s resilience should inspire his teammates moving forward. The challenge now lies in managing Jose Alvarado’s injury while striving to advance in the tournament. The team’s medical staff must prioritize his health to ensure he can continue contributing without risking further harm.
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