Swift's Fandom Questioned
Knicks Analyst's Hot-Mic Remarks About Taylor Swift's Fandom Ignite Online Backlash
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Before delivering the “She’s not a Knicks fan” line, McNutt and co-host Tyler Murray were heard trying to confirm whether Swift was actually in the arena—McNutt asked, “Is that Taylor Swift down there?” and, after doubts, said, “With that long ponytail, ain't that her in the blue?”
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Backlash included more specific claims about Swift’s Knicks loyalty, with one social media user pointing out that Swift performed the Knicks anthem at age 12 and has lived in NYC “for well over 13 years.”
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Barstool founder Dave Portnoy publicly defended Swift and criticized McNutt’s comments, posting: “Damn. Hate to see [Monica McNutt] hating on Taylor Swift. Lots of new faces in the crowd. Don’t see her singling them out. Knicks are falling apart at the seams.”
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The game context was notably dramatic: according to one report, New York was “routed early” and trailed 27 points at halftime, 76–49—before later tightening the contest.
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Swift had not attended Game 3, but did attend Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals with Travis Kelce, when a report said her courtside seat went up for bidding starting at $100.
A hot-mic moment at the NBA Finals turned Taylor Swift's courtside appearance into overnight controversy. During Game 4 at Madison Square Garden on June 10, ESPN New York radio analyst Monica McNutt was caught on a live mic saying,
The Knicks won the game anyway — and in stunning fashion. New York trailed the San Antonio Spurs 76–49 at halftime before completing a 29-point comeback to win 107–106, according to Al Jazeera. It was the largest comeback in NBA Finals history. The Knicks now lead the series 3–1.
Swift Wore a Knicks Shirt. McNutt Still Doubted Her.
Swift arrived at MSG with Este and Alana Haim and actress Mariska Hargitay for what TMZ called an
The irony was hard to miss. Before saying Swift wasn't a fan, McNutt was heard asking co-host Tyler Murray,
Fans Fired Back With a 24-Year Paper Trail
Online backlash was fast and specific. Fans pointed out that Swift has lived in New York since 2014 — over 12 years. That same year, she was named the city's
Others noted that Swift performed at MSG as a 12-year-old, with some claiming she sang the Knicks' anthem early in her career. One viral post asked why other celebrity newcomers in the crowd faced no such scrutiny. Barstool founder Dave Portnoy backed Swift publicly, posting:
Hot-Mic Clips Go Viral Before the Final Buzzer Sounds
The clip spread fast. By halftime — when New York was down 27 — social media was already flooded with reactions, according to Al Jazeera. By morning, outlets including TMZ and Us Weekly led with the hot-mic story rather than the Knicks' comeback win.
Live broadcast setups create constant recording risk. Analysts often speak as if their mics are off — but the gear keeps rolling. In this case, McNutt's words were captured mid-broadcast inside MSG and shared widely within hours. Calls emerged on social media for McNutt to apologize or face discipline, though MSG Networks had not issued a formal statement as of the morning after, The Mirror reported.
Brunson, Anunoby Deliver Historic Win Anyway
Whatever the off-court noise, the game itself was extraordinary. Jalen Brunson scored 36 points. OG Anunoby added 33 and hit the game-winning tip-in with 1.2 seconds left, per Al Jazeera. New York erased that 27-point halftime deficit to win 107–106 — the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history.
Some Swifties were quick to credit Swift's presence courtside for the turnaround, dubbing it
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