The New York Knicks are NBA champions for the first time since 1973, overcoming another deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 at the Frost Bank Center.<\/p>\n
And it was Jalen Brunson<\/a> who cemented his legacy with his 45-point performance on Saturday night, closing out the series 4-1 and ending the longest championship drought in franchise history.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n While reveling in his newly minted Finals MVP status, Brunson also took a moment to address a completely different demographic: Taylor Swift fans.<\/p>\n Jalen Brunson Addresses Taylor Swift Fans After Leading the Knicks to NBA Glory<\/p>\n Game 5 was another tale of two halves, as the Knicks had another come-from-behind victory against a San Antonio<\/a> side that just cannot hold on to leads. Brunson carried the offense whenever the Knicks struggled in Game 5, erupting for 15 points in the fourth quarter en route to a dominant closeout performance.<\/p>\n Brunson\u2019s 45 points broke the franchise record<\/a> for most points in a Finals game, surpassing the 38 scored by the late Willis Reed against the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> in 1970.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Mikal Bridges<\/a> and Josh Hart<\/a>, the other members of the \u201cNova Knicks\u201d trio who won the 2016 NCAA title together at Villanova, chipped in with 14 and 13 points, respectively.<\/p>\n SEE ALSO: WATCH: Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Breaks Down in Tears After Ending New York\u2019s 53-Year Championship Drought<\/a><\/p>\n However, amid the championship celebrations, Brunson dug up an unexpected pop-culture storyline specifically aimed at \u201cSwifties.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking to cool the tensions around radio announcer Monica McNutt and the recent drama, Brunson said,<\/a> \u201cI just want to say something to the Swifties. She\u2019s [McNutt] a really good one. Cut her some slack. It\u2019s all good. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n The message was a direct response to a viral incident from Game 4 at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n During that broadcast, McNutt was caught on a hot mic noticing Swift in the celebrity row and remarking, \u201cIs that Taylor Swift? She\u2019s not a Knicks fan. Get out of here, girl.\u201d<\/p>\n The moment drew \u201cswift backlash,\u201d as fans flooded social media to point out Swift\u2019s documented history with the Knicks.<\/p>\n McNutt subsequently apologized,<\/a> admitting that she was not aware that Swift was a long-time supporter of the Knicks.<\/p>\n