Stephan A. Smith says he deserves credit for the Knicks’ 11-game playoff win streak.
On ESPN’s “First Take” on Wednesday, Smith said he should get recognition for fueling the Knicks’ first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1999 by calling the team out during the playoffs.
“I deserve some credit, so I’m going to take it,” Smith said. “You know, when I called the Knicks out, I almost had a stroke on national television. They didn’t lose since. They’ve been 11-0.”
Stephen A. Smith looking at the camera on “First Take” during Knicks rant after Game 3 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. ESPN YouTubeSmith called out the Knicks after a 109-108 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 3 of the first round of the NBA playoffs.
“Let me tell y’all something right now. Change is coming to New York City. There’s going to be another head coach in New York City if they lose this series.” Smith said on “First Take” at the time. “Several players are going to be gone from New York City if y’all lose this game.”
Mikal Bridges did not score in the Game 3 loss, Josh Hart had only two points and the bench provided just 30 points.
The Knicks shot 40-of-93 (43%) from the field and 10-of-35 (29%) from behind the arc in the game.
Stephen A. Smith speaks at SiriusXM on Radio Row at Super Bowl LX. Getty Images for SiriusXM“Bunch of sorry asses right now. I’m so sick of what I’m seeing right now. I’m losing my damn mind,” Smith said while continuing his rant for nearly five more minutes.
Since then, though, the Knicks have won 11 straight, including the sixth-largest playoff victory in NBA history in a 41-point Game 6 win over the Hawks.
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Bridges has improved since Game 3 as well, averaging 14.6 points per game, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the playoffs.
Smith said Wednesday that the Knicks aren’t winning the Finals without him.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson speaks with the media prior to the start of the NBA Finals basketball series against the San Antonio Spurs, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in San Antonio. AP Photo/Eric GayDespite more optimism from recent performances, Smith added a warning to the Knicks on Wednesday that the job is far from over.
“There’s a level of urgency that’s not just because it’s the NBA finals. The Spurs can kick your ass,” Smith said Wednesday. “You got to show up.”
The Knicks went 2-1 vs. San Antonio across three meetings during the regular season and the NBA Cup.
The Spurs are -185 favorites to win the NBA Finals, per DraftKings Sportsbook, and are 4.5-point favorites in Game 1.
