Erica Brunson slams ESPN over Stephen A. Smith's Knicks criticism
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson's sister, Erica Brunson, criticized ESPN on X after Stephen A. Smith targeted her brother's team and teammate Josh Hart on "First Take." She called Smith's comments "utterly ridiculous," saying she no longer watches the network despite growing up with it as a staple. The post followed a video of Smith's rant amid the Knicks' recent struggles.
Smith directed his remarks at Hart, Brunson's teammate and co-host on the "Roommates Show" podcast. He questioned Hart's earlier response to his criticism, noting the Knicks' losses against teams above .500 since the All-Star break. Smith highlighted their 4-8 or 4-9 record versus winning teams contrasted with 9-0 against sub-.500 opponents.
The Knicks have lost their last three games but won seven of their previous 10. 
Smith emphasized their challenges against playoff-caliber foes as the postseason nears, describing the team as talented yet without a definitive identity. Brunson, a 2023 Villanova graduate like her brother, works in basketball client and marketing services at CAA, his agency.
Six regular-season games remain before the playoffs. The Knicks hold a playoff position in the Eastern Conference.
