Jalen Brunson Defends Taylor Swift After Knicks Fan Debate

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson stepped in to defend radio host Monica McNutt after she drew backlash from Taylor Swift fans during the NBA Finals. The dispute began in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden, where Swift attended with her friends Este Haim and Alana Haim. During the broadcast, McNutt was caught on a hot mic questioning the pop star’s loyalty to the Knicks, saying, “She is not a Knicks fan. Get out of here, girl,” which angered Swift’s supporters, the Swifties.

Brunson, speaking after the incident, told the fans, “I just want to say something to the Swifties. She is a great person. Give her a little bit of a break. Everything is fine, I promise.”

The article says Swift has a long-standing connection to the Knicks. In a 2014 interview with TIME, she said she had performed at Madison Square Garden when she was 12 or 13, during a children’s talent contest at halftime of a Knicks game, and that she has kept a “magical” feeling toward the arena and the team ever since. Page Six also described her as “a huge Knicks fan.”

Former Knicks star Amar’e Stoudemire added support for that view, saying he developed a close friendship with Swift during his time in New York. He recalled that she attended one Knicks practice, toured the court, tried dunking, and spent time talking with him and her family. “That was a very special moment,” he said, adding that he truly believes she is a Knicks fan.