Stephen A. Smith is well-known for his witty and bold takes on American sports. However, what many fans didn’t expect was a surprising display of his basketball prowess during a free throw contest against former NBA player Kenny Smith.
Before the highly anticipated 2024 Emirates NBA Cup Semi-Finals, the ‘Inside the NBA’ crew organized a lighthearted free throw challenge. The popular ESPN analyst went head-to-head with Kenny Smith, a former NBA guard with a career free-throw percentage of 82.9%.
Despite Kenny’s confidence and willingness to shoot left-handed as a handicap, the competition didn’t go as planned for the former pro. The challenge concluded with Stephen A. Smith securing an unexpected 3-1 victory over Kenny Smith, leaving fans in disbelief.
Stephen A Smith defeated Kenny 😱 pic.twitter.com/HkbQ6gaadO
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 14, 2024
The crowd and social media alike buzzed with amazement as Smith managed to outshoot a former NBA star. Fans took to social media to share their reactions, with many expressing shock at the outcome.
I’m going on #ESPN on Monday morning to give my opinion on this performance by these guys. @FirstTake
— Did You Know? (@Volont619) December 14, 2024
Former NBA player btw haha
— keeneye777 (@realgoattalk1) December 14, 2024
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Never. Would. I. Ever. Have. Guessed. This. Result.
— Dr. Trey (@therealDrTrey) December 14, 2024
Lethal Shooter the 🐐
— kd. (@yes2letters) December 14, 2024
Stephen a smith lowkey goated 😂😂
— Katie ❤️ | Top 0.79%😈 | Free OF 😫 (@thaofficialkat) December 14, 2024
Kenny Smith Responds To The Loss Against Stephen A. Smith
NBA star Damian Lillard was equally taken aback by Kenny Smith’s defeat. During the Inside the NBA segment, Lillard joined Kenny for a conversation, where the former guard addressed his performance and offered his perspective on the loss.
“Every head must bow. It was too big a handicap shooting left hand. So if I do it again, I’ll use my right hand. But I only use three fingers. You don’t battle rap guys off the street; you got a record deal with Empire. You know what I’m saying? Like you have to do a handicap,” Kenny said.
With the win, Stephen A. Smith has earned his moment of basketball glory. Fans will now wait to see if Kenny will seek a rematch to defeat the analyst to reclaim his legacy.
