Erica Brunson Criticizes ESPN After Stephen A. Smith's Knicks Critique
Erica Brunson, sister of New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, called out ESPN on X after Stephen A. Smith criticized her brother's team and teammate Josh Hart on "First Take." She wrote that she no longer turns on the network, calling Smith's comments "utterly ridiculous." The post followed a video of Smith's segment highlighting the Knicks' losses to teams above .500.
Smith directed his remarks at Hart, Brunson's teammate and co-host of the "Roommates Show" podcast, amid the Knicks' recent three-game losing streak. He referenced Hart's prior response to his criticism, noting the team's record since then. Smith emphasized basketball performance over personal defense, pointing to struggles against stronger opponents as playoffs approach.
The Knicks hold a playoff position despite going 4-8 or 4-9 against winning teams since the All-Star break while unbeaten at 9-0 versus sub-.500 squads. They have won seven of their last 10 games overall. Smith described the team as talented but lacking a clear identity with postseason games imminent.
Six regular-season games remain before the playoffs. Erica Brunson, a 2023 Villanova graduate who works in basketball client and marketing services at CAA, her brother's agency, grew up with ESPN as a staple but now avoids it.
