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New York Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson’s sister called ESPN after personality Stephen A. Smith took aim at her brother’s team and best friend Josh Hart during a “First Take” segment.
Smith called out Hart, Brunson’s teammate and “Roommates Show” podcast co-host, as the Knicks have struggled in recent games, especially against NBA teams with records over .500.
Erica Brunson, Jalen’s sister, took the time to write to X on Wednesday, ripping “Worldwide Leader” after listening to Smith talk about the Knicks.
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Jalen Brunson and Erica Brunson attend the Haute Living Jalen Brunson Cover Celebration with JP Morgan Wealth Management and Mijenta Tequila at Avra Rockefeller on October 26, 2024 in New York City. (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
“I used to always have ESPN on in the background during the day,” wrote Erica Brunson on X. “It was such a staple growing up. Now? I never turn it on. And that’s a big reason why. Totally ridiculous.”
The post was prompted by a video that captured Smith ranting about the Knicks, who have now lost three games in a row.
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While the team is in playoff position, Smith took direct aim at Hart.
“A message to Josh Hart: Do I need to shut up now? Does what I said make sense now? I mean, do you get it now?” Smith said. “You haven’t won a game since you talked back to me. You’re on a losing streak since he talked back to me. Maybe if you prioritize what I said and pay attention to the content and truth of my comments instead of protecting your boys, you’d win games when you go up against teams that are better than .500 with their record.
“Am I making sense now? Because I’m not getting personal. I’m talking about basketball, because every time you face somebody relatively respectable, you wet the bed. You’re like 4-8 or 4-9 against winning teams since the All-Star break. But you’re 9-0 against sub-.500 teams. Well, who the hell are you going to play?”
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart reacts to a call in the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
The Knicks may have struggled in recent outings, but they are still winners in seven of their last 10 contests. But Smith added that the games come against teams they will see in the playoffs very soon.
“The New York Knicks are literally a few weeks away from the playoffs starting and Josh Hart is on camera talking about, “We’re moving in the wrong direction. You know what’s going to get our stuff together.” We’re looking at a team that still doesn’t have a definitive identity. We’re looking at a team that New York Knicks fans know is talented, know they’re playoff caliber,” Smith said.
Like her brother, Erica Brunson attended Villanova and graduated in 2023 with a degree in communications and a minor in education. She currently works at CAA, Jalen’s agency, in basketball client and marketing services.
Stephen A. Smith joined Bill Maher on the March 27 episode of “Real Time” to discuss politics and who could potentially lead both parties going forward. (Real Time with Bill Maher/YouTube)
The Knicks have just six games left in the regular season before the playoffs begin. They are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, behind only the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics.
