When Stephen A. Smith speaks, the sports world listensâespecially when it’s about his beloved New York Knicks. And heading into one of the most tightly contested series of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the ESPN analyst isnât mincing words: he believes the Knicks will knock the Indiana Pacers out in seven games.
On a recent episode of First Take, Stephen A. delivered his trademark fiery take, saying, âI respect what Indiana’s done. Haliburton is a star. Siakam has championship pedigree. But when it comes down to itâwhen itâs Game 7 in Madison Square Gardenâyouâre not walking out of there with a win. Not against this Knicks team. Not in that building.â
Itâs a bold claim, but not one without substance. The Knicks and Pacers have been locked in a battle thatâs as physical and emotional as it is tactical. Through six games, weâve seen everything: big-time performances, clutch moments, and momentum swings that have made this Eastern Conference Semifinals series one of the most compelling of the postseason.
The Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburtonâs dazzling playmaking and Pascal Siakamâs veteran poise, have pushed the Knicks to the edge. Theyâve executed with pace, moved the ball well, and havenât backed down from the challenge. Indianaâs young core, including Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard, has shown maturity beyond its years.
But Stephen A. isnât betting against the Knicksânot now, not in a winner-takes-all scenario. And to be fair, New York has given him reasons to believe.
Jalen Brunson has been sensational throughout the playoffs, putting up All-NBA level performances game after game. The Knicksâ offense flows through him, and his ability to score, facilitate, and control the tempo has been the difference in tight moments. Despite battling nagging injuries and facing aggressive defensive schemes, Brunson continues to answer the call.
âJalen Brunson is HIM,â Smith emphasized. âYou give that man a Game 7 in the Garden, and heâs not going out like that. Heâs got that old-school New York toughness. He was made for this.â
Another major factor in Stephen A.âs prediction? Defense. The Knicks have built their identity around grit and grind. With OG Anunoby locking up on the wing, Josh Hart flying around the court making hustle plays, and Isaiah Hartenstein holding it down in the paint, New York has made Indiana work for every point. Even when the offense stalls, the defense keeps them in games.
Whatâs more, the Garden crowdâsomething Smith repeatedly called the âsixth manââis expected to bring unmatched energy. Game 7 at Madison Square Garden isnât just a basketball gameâitâs a war zone of emotion, history, and noise. That atmosphere has rattled teams before, and Smith is betting it will again.
Of course, not everyone agrees. Pacers fans and analysts have pushed back, pointing to Indianaâs superior depth, fast pace, and Haliburtonâs ability to break down even the toughest defenses. And with Rick Carlisle at the helm, Indiana has a coach who knows how to win big games.
Still, Stephen A. stands firm.
âIndianaâs nice. Theyâve got pieces. But the Knicks? Theyâre made for this moment. Itâs going seven, and in Game 7, the Knicks close it out. Period.â
The tension is sky-high heading into the series finale. Two proud franchises with deep playoff histories. Two fanbases starving for more. And one game to decide who advances.
Love him or hate him, Stephen A.âs take reflects the belief of many Knicks fans: that this team has the toughness, the star power, and the home-court edge to finish the job.
One thingâs for sureâGame 7 will be unforgettable. And if the Knicks do pull it off, expect Stephen A. to be front and center, suit on, voice raised, and all the receipts ready.
