Only Spike Lee would passionately defend a New York Knicks star. But wait, Jalen Brunson & Co. are not running out of die-hard fans. In reality, some of them are holding grudges on their behalf against the likes of Joel Embiid. Sometimes it does become difficult to maintain camaraderie on the court after a major ruckus. However, you can always walk past the incident and look beyond. But, not Edie Falco. 4x Emmy Awardee, Edie Falco, popularly known for her role Carmela on The Sopranos is a dedicated Knickerbockers fan.

One of her most memorable lines from the show might be, “More is lost by indecision than wrong decision.” However, during her conversation with Brunson on the Roommates Show, the 61-year-old actress shared another unforgettable line. “Joel Emiid. He’s mean.” Why would she say this? As a Knicks fan, Falco cannot wrap her head around the fact that Brunson doesn’t hold a grudge against The Process for elbowing him in one of the games last season. “I was going to go after him. I mean that’s how bad it was.” It surprises Edie Falco that Brunson continues to be on good terms with Joel Embiid. Does he not hold grudges? The actress wanted to know.

Jalen Brunson shares honest thoughts on Joel Embiid’s elbowing incident from Game 4 of the playoff last season

The elbow in question? Game 4, last year’s playoffs, Madison Square Garden. Knicks fans, Falco included, cried foul when the Philadelphia 76ers’ star center Joel Embiid landed what looked like a cheap shot on Jalen Brunson. No whistle. Just chaos! While Falco still fumes over the “crime,” Brunson has long shrugged it off. No grudges here, just basketball.

“I don’t hold grudges for the most part, yeah,” Brunson said. “I’ve known Joel for before I even got in the league. I met him a couple of times. It’s just respect there. I think there’s a certain line related [to it]. There’s respect and you’re competing and once it’s all done like, it’s good. I won’t say it’s cool but it’s good.” He added, “There’s some people who you respect for the most part and you’re cool with and for me, he’s one of those guys for sure”

You’d think Brunson’s words and the New York Knicks booting the Sixers from the playoffs would soften Falco’s stance on Embiid. Nope. “I don’t know, I’m not with you on that,” she shot back. Meanwhile, Circle Feb. 26 on your calendar. When the Sixers hit Madison Square Garden, Joel Embiid might just feel the heat of Edie Falco’s icy stare from the stands.

After the latest ejection controversy, Jalen Brunson’s somewhat supportive words of camaraderie might do some good for Embiid. However, this isn’t the first time that the Knicks main man has talked in the 30-year-old Cameroonian’s favor.

Joel Embiid has found support in Jalen Brunson

Controversies and Joel Embiid often go hand in hand in the NBA. It’s not just his absence from the court that keeps him in the headlines. The fact that his physicality has been a hot topic of discussion for a long time now. And this discussion spiked during the playoff games against the Knicks last season. Despite, whatever unfolded in the games, Jalen Brunson has never said a tough word against the 2023 MVP.

Earlier this year, Brunson shared his thoughts on Embiid. He stated, “Joel is unfairly discussed. He is the one player where I played against him I’m like damn this dude is dominant. Me seeing now ‘Oh Joel hasn’t got past the 2nd round or Joel hasn’t done this’, Joel has done some crazy things. MVP, the numbers he puts up, all that stuff.” The long-time acquaintance turned NBA rivals have the required respect among themselves. Jalen Brunson candidly admitted that he’s “cool with” Joel Embiid and things are going to remain this way.

Thus, keeping aside the on-court drama and things that unfurl in the heat of the moment, one thing that stands tall is the sportsmanship these players have. And even though die-hards like Edie Falco just can’t turn away from holding grudges against the ones who try to pin down their favorites, it cannot be denied that the unique fellowship makes the NBA so special to its fans.