Jalen Brunson Admits Fearing MSG Crowd After Viral JR Smith Incident

The New York Knicks fans have been put under the spotlight in recent memory. While it's no secret that New York fans are some of the most passionate sports fans in the US, things could apparently get out of hand in Madison Square Garden when something good happens.

Knicks star Jalen Brunson is aware of what goes on whenever his team wins a game in the playoffs and has expressed his fear of the crowd.

For context, New York fans who haven't secured their tickets inside MSG would tend to watch the game from outside the arena. A massive audience patiently stands outside to support their home team. While there's no better feeling than having your home crowd rooting for you, New York fans, apparently, tend to go crazy after a huge victory.

Brunson referenced what happened to former Knicks player JR Smith after Game 1 of the second round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on May 5. Smith went outside MSG to celebrate with the crowd outside. However, something celebratory turned into something horrible.

Smith was knocked down by the crowd, and the fans surrounding him didn't bother helping him up. Instead, they became rowdier and celebrated with Smith on the ground. After witnessing what transpired in that moment, Brunson would rather stay away from all the ruckus.

"I thought about (going out to the MSG crowd), but then I saw JR Smith, and I don't know now," Brunson said in an interview with Malika Andrews.

Brunson then noted that he'd most likely celebrate with the fans if he and the Knicks end up winning the championship this season.

Why Does Jalen Brunson Fear the MSG Crowd After the JR Smith Incident?

Back on May 5, Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks took on the Philadelphia 76ers for Game 1 of their semifinals matchup. The Knicks overwhelmed the 76ers and destroyed them, 137-98.

The fans outside Madison Square Garden were pleased with the results of the game and partied hard outside the arena. Former Knicks star JR Smith, who's known for partying and celebrating, wanted to join the crowd and share the triumphant moment.

Unfortunately for him, the fans involved in the incident got overhyped by his presence and showered him with too much love. It resulted in Smith getting knocked down on the floor while being surrounded by a horde of fans who never bothered to help him up.

Smith addressed the situation the following day in a May 6 episode of "Run It Back". Despite being furious on the day of the incident, Smith seemed to have cooled down the next day, laughing about the situation.

"I needed some help," Smith said about getting knocked down. "They tried to roll me up. I'm not gonna lie, dawg, the worst part about it is that this society is so bad, everybody just got their phones out. I'm like, 'Yo bro! Pull me up!'"

Thankfully, Smith didn't get seriously hurt despite the severity of the situation. However, the current Knicks players might seriously reconsider celebrating with their fans if it means they might get swept off the floor like JR.