Knicks' Jalen Brunson sparks outrage by wearing Jalen Hurts jersey

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Knicks' Jalen Brunson sparks outrage by wearing Eagles' Jalen Hurts jersey to game vs. Wizards

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 1/18/23

Still in the middle of his first season with the New York Knicks, newly minted star Jalen Brunson might have a thing or two to learn about the city's rabid fanbase.

On Wednesday, Brunson arrived at Madison Square Garden ahead of the Knicks' matchup against the Washington Wizards, rocking a Philadelphia Eagles jersey. To Make matters worse, Brunson was rocking the No. 1 of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Jalen wearing Jalen pic.twitter.com/aDC21rDzy9
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 19, 2023

Hurts and the Eagles host the New York Giants this Saturday night with a spot in the NFC Conference Championship on the line. So, Brunson's choice of attire drew the ire of New York fans, who might, from now on, begrudgingly accept him depending on the outcome of Saturday's divisional-round game.

ESPN's Luis Miguel Echegarary chimed in on Brunson's jersey choice, questioning his poor timing.

NOT THIS WEEK COME ON NOW
— Luis Miguel Echegaray (@lmechegaray) January 19, 2023

Meanwhile, Eagles fans hit the thread throwing their support behind the former Villanova Wildcat standout.

You can tell he's the smartest player on the Knicks.
— Jason DeLisi (@WallacesOwner) January 19, 2023

Brunson's teammate Obi Toppin, a Brooklyn, New York native, began the week with a goodnatured rip surrounding the Eagles and Giants' upcoming clash. Upon entering the Knicks' locker room, Toppin yelled to reporters and The Athletic's Fred Katz, "The Giants are gonna whoop the Eagles' ass! And tag JB."

Toppin did the tagging himself later via Twitter.

@jalenbrunson1 https://t.co/oCc2vXClsd
— Obi Toppin (@obitoppin1) January 16, 2023

It should be no surprise to Knicks fans that Brunson backs the Eagles' midnight green and black. Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Brunson was raised in South Jersey, spending most of his youth in Eagles' country. After playing high school ball in Illinois, Brunson returned home for college, playing three seasons at Villanova, where he was a two-time National Champion.

Knicks fans shouldn't be too hard on Brunson. After all, heading into Wednesday night, the 26-year-old was averaging career-highs in points (22.4) and assists (6.3) and has the Knicks firmly in playoff position, eight games back of the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics (33-12).

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