Jalen Brunson defends Monica McNutt after hot-mic Taylor Swift remark

Jalen Brunson — the New York Knicks star and NBA Finals 2026 MVP — defended ESPN analyst Monica McNutt after a hot-mic moment involving Taylor Swift. While McNutt interviewed Brunson following his team's win in San Antonio, Brunson took the mic and addressed Swift's fans: 'I just wanna say something to the Swifties.

She's a really good one,' he said. 'Cut her some slack. It's all good, I promise.' McNutt replied, 'Thank you. I appreciate it.' The exchange followed a clip from Game 4 at Madison Square Garden in which McNutt asked, 'Is that Taylor Swift down there?' After colleague Tyler Murray said he didn't think Swift was there, McNutt singled the pop star out by noting her 'long ponytail' and 'blue' outfit.

During the game McNutt questioned Swift's Knicks fandom, saying, 'She's not a Knicks fan. Get out of here, girl.' Murray then pulled out his phone to take a picture of Swift for his wife.

United States, San Antonio

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