Jalen Brunson Comes to Monica McNutt’s Defense After Taylor Swift Fan Backlash
Jalen Brunson urges fans to support Monica McNutt after her Taylor Swift comments sparked backlash, following the New York Knicks' NBA title win.
Follow Us
Jalen Brunson, Monica McNutt, and Taylor Swift (Image: X and NBA)
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson came to the defense of Knicks radio analyst Monica McNutt after she faced backlash from Taylor Swift fans over comments questioning the singer’s allegiance to the team.
Brunson addressed the controversy during the Knicks’ postgame championship celebration following New York’s 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
The win secured the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973, with Brunson earning NBA Finals MVP honors. While celebrating alongside McNutt, Brunson took a moment to send a message to Swift’s fan base.
“I just want to say something to the Swifities,” Brunson said as McNutt laughed beside him. “She’s a really good one, cut her some slack. It’s all good, I promise.”
Brunson’s remarks came just days after McNutt sparked discussion during the Knicks’ Game 4 broadcast at Madison Square Garden. During the game, Taylor Swift was seated courtside alongside members of HAIM and actress Mariska Hargitay.
As her broadcast partner appeared eager to snap a photo of the global pop star, McNutt playfully questioned Swift’s ties to the Knicks. “She’s not a Knicks fan. Get out of here, girl,” McNutt said during the broadcast.
The comment quickly circulated on social media, prompting reactions from both Knicks supporters and Swift fans. Brunson’s lighthearted defense, however, suggested there were no hard feelings, as the Knicks celebrated one of the most memorable nights in franchise history.
The clip spread widely across social media and drew criticism from Swift fans, who pointed to evidence of the singer’s support for the franchise.
Monica McNutt addresses the viral Taylor Swift Knicks fandom controversy
Monica McNutt responded to the backlash the following day through an Instagram Stories video, where she acknowledged that she may have been mistaken about Taylor Swift’s Knicks fandom.
“Swifties, I appreciate your passion. I said what I said. Here’s the deal, if I’m wrong — I am wrong, apparently,” McNutt said.
She explained that she had not previously seen Swift at Knicks games during her time covering the organization at Madison Square Garden, and she referenced the singer’s recent appearance at a Cleveland Cavaliers game alongside fiancé Travis Kelce.
She owns an OG Amar’e Stoudemire jersey. I misspoke I did not know, but here’s the deal, context: I literally just did a piece on Celebrity Row. I’ve been with this organization for 5 years. I know these folks — Ben Stiller, his wife, Spike Lee, Fat Joe. I had not seen her here this year or last year, and we just saw her in Cleveland with her fiance, obviously Travis supports the Cavs, she didn’t have any Knicks paraphernalia, so I did not know of her Knicks loyalty. But shout out to T-Swift! Like, we can be united in orange and blue, it’s fine!
Monica McNutt via Instagram
Ahead of Game 5, McNutt revisited the subject on Instagram Stories and attempted to move attention back to the NBA Finals.
She described the situation as a “big fat nothingburger” and said, “We got bigger fish to fry, because a title is on the line,” before adding, “Of course, whoever wants to be at the game is welcome to the game.”
The Knicks closed out the series in five games against the Spurs, and Brunson earned NBA Finals MVP honors after averaging 32.6 points, 4.6 assists and 4.2 rebounds during the championship series.
Also Read:
Rinal Chavda
(146 Articles Published)