The Knicks are cruising into the second round of the NBA playoffs after making quick work of the Cavaliers in their opening-round series. ESPN analyst and New York super-fan Stephen A. Smith was rightfully fired up after the Knicks’s 4–1 series victory, and didn’t hesitate to make a stunning prediction ahead of Round 2.
With a huge smile on his face, laughing like an evil villain who just hatched the most conniving ploy, Smith boldly declared that New York would be headed to the 2023 NBA Finals.
“Woo! One down, two more to go. I’m thinking Finals baby, I’m thinking Finals. Orange and blue skies, orange and blue skies,” shouted an ecstatic Smith. “Sorry about that, Donovan Mitchell, I love you brother. But yeah! New York is in the house, say it now!”
“ONE DOWN, TWO MORE TO GO. I’M THINKING FINALS, BABY!” 🗣️
— ESPN (@espn) April 27, 2023
Stephen A is hyped about his Knicks moving on to the second round‼️
(via @stephenasmith)pic.twitter.com/Ve9d4smKsP
After handling Cleveland across five games, the Knicks are slated to face the winner of the series between the Bucks and Heat. Smith doesn’t seem worried about that matchup, as he indicates his sights are set on the NBA Finals and competing for a Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The Knicks haven’t won the Finals since 1973, and their series win over the Cavaliers was their first postseason series victory since 2013.
Despite their difficult playoff history, Smith has high expectations for this team after it stifled Cleveland’s offense over the course of five games. The Cavaliers scored more than 100 points in just one game against the Knicks in the series.
If their defense can maintain that elite level of play, Smith’s prediction may not end up being so far-fetched.
