The Knicks have to win two games just to make the NBA Finals. Even if they make it happen, Stephen A. Smith doesn’t believe they have a chance.
The New York Knicks have enjoyed their most successful season in 25 years. Even though they are down 3-2 going into Indiana for a Game 6, the Knicks will still believe they can win.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns matched a Kobe-Shaq record in the Game 5 win. The duo has been excellent during this playoff run and could achieve something even greater.
Bill Simmons explained what the Knicks figured out in Game 5. If they can utilize that advantage further and win Games 6 and 7, a historic comeback will be complete.
However, even the loudest Knicks fan has his doubts about any championship aspirations.
Should Brunson and company manage to overcome the Indiana Pacers, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be their opponent in the Finals. And SAS thinks they’re certain to lose.
“I give them zero chance, zero, of beating the Oklahoma City Thunder if they were to advance to the Finals,” Smith said on First Take.
“Days ago, I’m like, ‘Hey, we got a chance.’ And then I watched OKC, having to cover the Western Conference Finals, and I see those bodies that they throw.
“Then I see the New York Knicks’ style of play and the lack of personnel, and you just see it in the way Oklahoma City defends. And that has taken some of the luster off my championship aspirations for the New York Knicks.”
“Getting there, I’m all for it. But I would have to cover an NBA Finals where I’m a New York Knicks fan and I believe from the bottom of my heart that nothing short of divine intervention would propel them.”
Some might suggest that Stephen A. is being too negative. But for all those who have watched the 68-win Thunder this season, it doesn’t sound hyperbolic.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the MVP, and he is averaging a whopping 29.8 points and 6.9 assists per game. He’s leading from the front.
Jalen Williams found his rhythm in the Western Conference Finals, averaging 21.2 points per game. Chet Holmgren has been equally impressive.
Alex Caruso is earning praise from NBA legends like Paul Pierce. And his defense alongside that of Lu Dort and Cason Wallace utterly stifled Anthony Edwards.
Should the Knicks make it, it’s extremely hard to envision them beating this Oklahoma City team.
