What was Stephen A Smith’s passionate message to the Knicks ahead of Game 7 vs Pacers?
ESPN’s analyst is known to be a fervent fan of the New York Knicks and so, his message to the team makes sense. The question is, will it actually work?
After dominating the early games of the series, the New York Knicks now find themselves with their backs against the wall and a plethora of injuries as they prepare for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Standing in front of them are the Indian Pacers who have truly picked themselves up.
Stephen Smith believes in the Knicks
It’s no secret that Stephen A. Smith is a die-hard New York Knicks fan. Indeed, it doesn’t matter what sport is being discussed by ESPN’s analyst and other members of the panel, Smith often finds a way to mention his favorite team and the love he has for them. Yet, following a heavy 116-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the East’s semifinals, Smith was in no mood to give his analysis on what was ultimately not just a loss, but one in which the Knicks lost the services of Josh Hart to what appears to be an abdominal injury.
No, instead Smith spoke directly to the team in a passionate speech where he begged the team to “get it done.” Interestingly, Smith made a bold declaration before he began, stating that both Josh Hart and Isaiah Hertenstein will recover in time to play in Game 7 and that the Knicks are in fact “going to the Conference finals”, something that hasn’t happened since 2000.
“...But dammit, this is what it’s about,” Smith said. “You’ve been waiting for decades to get back to the Eastern Conference finals. I understand how you’re feeling right now. You didn’t put yourself in this position, a lot of injuries, but dammit you’ve gotten to this point. It’s Game 7...Here’s the bottom line. There is no tomorrow! 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!” Needless to say, the Knicks faithful made it clear that they are with Smith all the way. Yet, as the team will likely know - Smith as well - it’s not so simple given the way that the Pacers have responded. If there is one positive, it’s that the Knicks will be playing in front of a packed Madison Square Garden i.e., 19,500 screaming fans. It’s now or never New York.