The NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs are just getting started, but one voice has already worn out its welcome among fans. Stephen A. Smith, the bombastic ESPN personality, has been on a victory lap after the Knicks made their first Finals appearance since 1999 — and he's claiming he played a part.
It all started back in April, when Smith went on a fiery rant on national television, warning that if the Knicks lost to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, heads would roll. “If you lose in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, I think heads are going to roll because remember, you got rid of Tom Thibodeau,” he yelled. Since dropping Game 3 against the Hawks, the Knicks haven't lost, sweeping both the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers to reach the Finals.
Now, Smith is taking credit for the turnaround. “I deserve some credit, so I’m gonna take it. You know, when I called the Knicks out, I almost had a stroke. They haven’t lost since – they’re 11-0,” he said on First Take.
But Knicks fans aren't buying it. Social media lit up with frustration, with one fan writing, “The single worst thing about being a Knick fan is sharing a team with SAS.” Another added, “Dude never fails to make himself the main character.” A third chimed in, “He’s always switching up on them, he says if Knicks don’t win game 1 there is barely any optimism they’ll win the series. That’s not a true fan.”
The backlash highlights a growing fatigue with Smith's self-promotion, especially as the Knicks' run has brought renewed attention to the team. Some fans even noted his inconsistency — he's been known to flip his predictions based on early results. For now, though, Smith is all in on the Knicks, predicting they'll beat the Spurs. “They’re winning the chip. They’re winning the chip,” he declared. “The New York Knicks will walk into the NBA Finals as the clear underdog … But the way the New York Knicks have been playing basketball, it obviously has to continue.”
Whether Smith sticks with that pick if the Knicks drop Game 1 remains to be seen. But one thing's clear: Knicks fans are already tired of his act, and they're not shy about letting him know. The Finals might be about the Knicks and Spurs, but for many, the real drama is off the court.
For more on the Knicks' run, check out the NYPD's reversal on watch parties and Martha Stewart's sneaker score.
