The New Orleans Pelicans are starting to get a few of their crucial players back from injury, and they're beginning to go on a roll. CJ McCollum has returned from a collapsed lung, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have mostly avoided the injury bug, and Trey Murphy is also back on the hardwood after suffering a torn meniscus. But in the end, it was an unsung hero who changed the momentum of the NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinals matchup between the Pelicans and the Sacramento Kings in New Orleans' favor.

The Pelicans may have won by double digits over the Kings in the end, 127-117, but it wasn't an easy game at all, with the Kings possessing immense comeback potential due to their explosive offense. However, it was Jose Alvarado's presence that Kings head coach Mike Brown recognized as the game-changer.

“You've got to give that man a lot of credit. He came into the game, and he changed the game… he impacted the game at the highest level every minute he was on the floor, and we paid the price for it,” Brown said after the game, per Brenden Nunes of Sactown Sports 1140.

Jose Alvarado's stats don't exactly jump off the page; he played just 18 minutes and scored nine to go along with three rebounds and two assists. But the Pelicans guard was as disruptive as ever on defense. He put up two steals and two blocks, and he was crucial for the Pelicans when they went down by double-digits in the first quarter.

With New Orleans down by 12, Alvarado came in and changed the tone of the game. He was able to get De'Aaron Fox off rhythm, he even blocked a shot from JaVale McGee, he came in and secured some important boards, and then he nailed a timely triple to cut the Kings' lead. From that point forward, the Pelicans seemed to feed off of his energy.

New Orleans' depth is approaching elite levels, and the Kings had a firsthand look at how dangerous a team they can be when everyone is playing their role to a T. The Pelicans may have a 12-10 record at the moment, but they look like a sleeping giant that's slowly opening its eyes.