Stephen A. Smith celebrated like every other fan in the Big Apple on Wednesday night. After eliminating the Cleveland Cavaliers, the New York Knicks won their first playoff series since 2013. The Knicks didn’t have to wait long to find out who their second-round opponent would be. The Miami Heat pulled off a massive upset over the Milwaukee Bucks. Now the second round will include a rivalry renewed with the Heat and Knicks. However, Smith doesn’t seem too worried about his Knicks.
On Thursday’s edition of First Take, Smith was asked how much the Knicks should fear the recent performances of Jimmy Butler. At the same time, Smith didn’t diminish the amazing first-round performance from Butler. However, he also doesn’t believe the Knicks will be afraid of Butler either. In a passionate response, Smith gave every Knicks fan the emotions on Thursday. Smith believes the moment could be too big for the Heat when they arrive at Madison Square Garden. Check out the clip of Smith’s firey response below.
Stephen A. Smith Has High Hopes For Knicks
“[Jimmy Butler] will go down in this series. The Garden is a different animal.”@stephenasmith is riding with the Knicks vs. the Heat
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— First Take (@FirstTake) April 27, 2023
The Knicks never really felt the challenge with the Cavaliers in round one. The series surprisingly ended after five. Now, the Knicks will welcome a team with nothing to lose to New York. However, the Knicks could be down a huge star at the start of the series. Knicks star forward Julius Randle was injured in the team’s Game 5 victory in Cleveland. Randle reappeared on the sideline for the Knicks in the second half. However, he returned in street clothes.
At the same time, the Heat are also dealing with injuries. Miami sharpshooter Tyler Herro broke his hand earlier in their first-round series with Milwaukee. Herro would be unavailable for the team unless they were to make the finals. The second-round matchup between the Heat and Knicks is destined to be great basketball. Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith that the Knicks will handle business? Or will the Heat continue their miracle run through the Eastern Conference? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.