Jalen Brunson Defends Monica McNutt Over Taylor Swift Criticism

Jalen Brunson is standing up for Monica McNutt after the New York Knicks analyst received criticism over comments she made about Taylor Swift.

After the Knicks secured the NBA championship with a Game 5 victory on Saturday (June 13), the Finals MVP weighed in on the discussion surrounding McNutt’s remarks from the Game 4 broadcast, where she questioned the pop star’s connection to the team.

Rapper Fat Joe watches Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on May 10, 2025, in New York City.

Cardi B, Fat Joe, J.Lo & More Musicians React to New York Knicks’ NBA Championship Win

Este Haim, Taylor Swift and Mariska Hargitay attend Game Four of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on June 10, 2026, in New York City.

During the postgame festivities, Brunson ran into McNutt and took a moment to back her publicly while also sharing a lighthearted message aimed at Swift’s loyal fans.

“I just want to say something to the Swifities,” the Knicks star 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 followed the reaction to comments McNutt made during Game 4 earlier in the week when Swift, who lives in New York City, attended the matchup at Madison Square Garden. The singer watched from courtside alongside two members of HAIM and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actress Mariska Hargitay.

During the June 10 game, McNutt’s broadcast partner appeared eager to take a photo of Swift from beneath their commentary position. McNutt, however, was unconvinced by the excitement. “She’s not a Knicks fan. Get out of here, girl,” she joked. The moment quickly spread across social media, prompting Swift fans to defend the singer.

The next day, McNutt responded to the online reaction through a video shared on her Instagram Stories while speaking with a reporter about the now viral exchange.

“Swifties, I appreciate your passion. I said what I said. Here’s the deal, if I’m wrong — I am wrong, apparently,” the analyst said. “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!”

Ahead of Saturday’s championship game, McNutt returned to Instagram Stories to thank those who had supported her and brushed off the entire situation, describing it as a “big fat nothingburger.” She added, “We got bigger fish to fry, because a title is on the line,” before concluding, “Of course, whoever wants to be at the game is welcome to the game.”