Erica Brunson rips ESPN after Stephen A. Smith's Knicks criticism

Erica Brunson, sister of New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, criticized ESPN on X after analyst Stephen A. Smith targeted the team and Josh Hart during a "First Take" segment. She called Smith's comments "utterly ridiculous" and said she no longer watches the network. The post followed a clip of Smith's rant amid the Knicks' recent three-game losing streak.

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 critique, noting the Knicks' record of 4-8 or 4-9 against teams above .500 since the All-Star break, contrasted with 9-0 against sub-.500 opponents. Smith emphasized that playoff foes would resemble the stronger teams against which New York has faltered.

The Knicks hold a playoff position despite going 7-3 in their last 10 games overall. Smith highlighted the team's lack of a definitive identity with playoffs approaching, adding that Hart had acknowledged the need to regroup.

Six regular-season games remain before the Eastern Conference playoffs begin. Erica Brunson, a 2023 Villanova graduate who works in basketball client and marketing services at CAA, her brother's agency, grew up watching ESPN but now avoids it.