When it comes to passionate Knicks fans, few wear their heart on their sleeve like Stephen A. Smith. The longtime ESPN personality, known for his animated rants, bold takes, and deep New York sports loyalty, has never been shy about expressing his love for the New York Knicks — or his deep-rooted frustration with their decades of postseason heartache.
But now, as the Knicks find themselves deep in the 2025 playoffs, teetering on the edge of either greatness or collapse, Stephen A. is hedging his bets. Literally.
In a segment on First Take, Stephen A. dropped a line that instantly made waves on social media:
“I wouldn’t put my money on the Knicks winning the series… but anything is possible.” 😅
Cue the sighs, the memes, and the nervous laughter of a fanbase that knows exactly what he means.
A Tale of Two Knicks
The Knicks have had a wild ride this postseason. At times, they’ve looked like a team built for a deep run — gritty, physical, and defensively sound. Jalen Brunson has been playing like a certified star, Josh Hart continues to bring the hustle, and Julius Randle — when healthy — provides the inside-out punch that keeps defenses honest.
But inconsistency has plagued them. One game they’ll lock down the perimeter and share the ball like a veteran squad, the next they’ll crumble under pressure, go cold from three, and turn the ball over in bunches. It’s a pattern that has made even the most loyal Knicks fans cautious — and Stephen A. is right there with them.
Stephen A., the Cautious Believer
Stephen A. Smith has always walked the line between hopeful and heartbroken when it comes to the Knicks. He’ll shout “Knicks basketball is BACK!” after a big win, then rip them to shreds after a disappointing loss. And that emotional rollercoaster is exactly what fans relate to — because the Knicks never make it easy.
This year, with the Knicks facing a powerhouse opponent in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Stephen A. isn’t ready to place his faith — or his money — on them getting through.
“I’m not saying they can’t win. I’m saying I wouldn’t bet on it,” he clarified with his trademark smirk. “The way this team goes cold… the way they let leads slip… I’m just saying: I’ve seen this story before.”
It’s that blend of skepticism and hope that perfectly captures the current Knicks climate. There’s enough to believe, but just enough history to be afraid of what comes next.
Anything Is Possible — Especially in the Playoffs
Despite his cautious tone, Stephen A. didn’t count the Knicks out. His message, while loaded with side-eye and sarcasm, still carried a thread of belief:
“You’ve got Jalen Brunson playing like an All-NBA guard. You’ve got Madison Square Garden rocking. You’ve got a team that actually plays defense. So yes — anything is possible.”
He’s not wrong. The Knicks, when locked in, can beat anyone. Their physicality wears teams down. Their crowd gives them a real home-court advantage. And their players — from Brunson’s leadership to Donte DiVincenzo’s big shots — have shown they can rise to the occasion.
But the margin for error is razor thin. One poor shooting night or defensive lapse could swing the series.
Knicks Fans: Hopeful, But Scarred
For fans, Stephen A.’s remarks resonate deeply. Knicks Nation wants to believe — desperately. But they’ve seen too many collapses, too many broken promises, too many “almosts.”
The Knicks haven’t reached the NBA Finals since 1999. They haven’t won a championship since 1973. For every spark of brilliance, there’s been a heartbreak. And so, when Stephen A. says, “I wouldn’t put my money on them,” fans nod — because they get it.
But when he follows that with “anything is possible,” they nod again — because, despite it all, they still believe.
The Series Outlook: Tough, But Not Impossible
The road ahead isn’t easy. The Knicks are facing a seasoned opponent with playoff experience, a deep bench, and a superstar who can take over games. New York will need everything to go right — Brunson dominating, Randle staying aggressive and healthy, the bench providing consistent energy, and Tom Thibodeau out-coaching his counterpart.
If they can do that? The series is absolutely winnable.
But they can’t afford lapses. They can’t rely on MSG magic alone. They’ll need discipline, execution, and mental toughness — all things they’ve shown in flashes, but not always sustained.
Stephen A. — Reflecting the City’s Pulse
At the end of the day, Stephen A. Smith isn’t trying to be negative. He’s trying to be real. He represents the everyman Knicks fan: loyal to a fault, emotional to the core, and eternally trapped between cautious realism and relentless optimism.
His quote — “I wouldn’t put my money on the Knicks winning the series… but anything is possible” — isn’t just a hot take. It’s a perfect summary of where this team, and this fanbase, stands right now.
Hopeful. Hesitant. Hungry.
Because this isn’t just another playoff series.
It’s a chance — maybe the best one in years — to prove that the New York Knicks are more than a good story.
They’re a contender.
And if they can shock the world? You better believe Stephen A. will be the first one shouting it from the rooftops — wallet in hand, smile wide, and finally ready to bet on his team.
