When the season tipped off, not many gave the Knicks much of a chance of making a deep playoff run. But here we are in the Eastern Conference semifinals with the New York side in the poll position to book a date with the Celtics. The poll position is because none of the two teams in the series have won a road game, and the Pacers will visit Madison Square Garden on Sunday to a deafening noise from the hostile crowd. One of those cheering on the home side is Stephen A. Smith, who made a passionate plea to the New York Knicks after game 6.
On Sportscenter, the analyst said, “Here’s the bottom line: There is no tomorrow! Get it done… Get it done Sunday at 3:30 Eastern! Be ready! I don’t give a damn what you gotta do, figure it out.”
The 116-103 loss to the Pacers forced a game 7 where Josh Hart is doubtful after feeling abdominal soreness on Friday night. Jalen Brunson had an awful first half despite a strong second-half finish, but as Stephen A. pointed out, the X factor was missing in their game, one that was needed to put the series to bed. Now the radio veteran is pleading with his side to do anything necessary to get themselves over the line. Still, his comments on the New York Knicks had a boomerang effect in the past and the chance of that happening again cannot be discarded.
Stephen A. Smith Jinxed New York Knicks With His Prediction
The Knicks registered a dominant 30-point win in game 3 against the Pacers. After the match, Stephen A. Smith was convinced that the series was won and in game 6 it was only a matter of formality to clinch the series.
The ESPN analyst said on First Take, “I think they clinch the series. Whether it’s going to be six or seven games, remains to be seen. And obviously, anything can happen in Game 7 but I do believe that they’ve (already) clinched the series.” His emphasis on the one-and-done situation didn’t come to fruition, as we know, and now a nervy Stephen A. is heading to game 7, hoping to somehow clear the hurdle.
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Even if Stephen A. Smith’s plea doesn’t reach the Knicks, the franchise will be perfectly clear about its goal: to reach the Conference Finals en route to their first championship since 1973.
