Stephen A. Smith is an ESPN analyst and a commentator for both the NBA and NFL, but his career has been surrounded by controversy. In 2017 he took heat for making controversial comments about sexual harassment in sports media
Topics: What are some of Stephen’s most controversial moments? Did he apologize or express regret? Is there anything we can learn from him?
The “stephen a. smith” is an ESPN commentator who has been critical of the defending NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors. Smith was asked if he would bet on them to win against Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals and said no because they are not good enough. The comment brought criticism from fans and players alike.
For a reason, the Milwaukee Bucks are the reigning champions. Sure, they might have lost Game 3 of the Eastern Conference playoffs to the Boston Celtics if a few calls had gone their way, but that wasn’t the case. The Bucks triumphed, putting them within two victories of the conference finals.
Despite their championship past, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith does not believe they can win. He believes the Celtics will come back to win the series despite being down 2-1.
Stephen A. Smith didn’t believe in the Bucks.
*{padding:0;margin:0;overflow:hidden} html,bodyheight:100% img,spanposition:absolute;width:100% ;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;bodyheight:100% spanheight:1.5em;text-align:center;font:48px/1.5 sans-serif;color:white;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black spanheight:1.5em;text-align:center;font:48px/1.5 sans
The Bucks’ Game 3 against the Celtics was an instant classic. Milwaukee won 103-101 in the last seconds (literally) because to two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.
However, despite Jayson Tatum’s 4-of-19 shooting and 10-point performance, Stephen A. Smith thinks the Celtics will overcome their 2-1 series disadvantage and win.
On the May 7 broadcast of NBA Countdown, Smith declared, “The Boston Celtics should win this series.” “Giannis scores 42 points. Jrue Holiday has dropped 25 pounds. Despite the absence of Khris Middleton, Boston came close to winning this game. They should have won this game as well. As we see this series unfold, it will reveal a lot about whether or not Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are the men we think they are. … If Al Horford puts in a performance like this – 22 points, 16 rebounds – and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown do their jobs, and Marcus Smart is in the mix, Boston will win this series. It’s that easy.”
While you may not think that the Celtics will win, Smith made some excellent arguments. However, in his next comment, he undermined his case.
“It boils down to brothers snatching their lunch plate and declaring, ‘This is who I am, and this is who I’m going to be.’ Do you understand why? “Because Giannis does precisely that,” he continued. “It’s not about his impressive statistics. It’s the reality that he’s precisely who you anticipate him to be on most evenings.”
More credit should be given to the reigning champion Bucks.
On May 7, 2022, Al Horford of the Boston Celtics defends Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. | Getty Images/Stacy Revere
Why is Stephen A. Smith writing off the Bucks when he knows Giannis Antetokounmpo is virtually always “exactly what you anticipate him to be”?
Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have had outstanding postseason performances. Antetokounmpo, on the other hand, has been on another level for the last two years and is coming off one of the best playoff runs in NBA history. The Greek Freak has averaged 30.0 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in the previous two playoffs. In addition, he’s hitting 55.2 percent of his shots.
Why would you write off a squad that has someone like him on it (particularly while they’re up 2-1)?
While Smith praised Al Horford’s performance in the defeat, the Florida product only scored 12 points in Game 1 and 11 in Game 2. 22 and 16 are unlikely to be heard from him again.
Khris Middleton, the Bucks’ second-leading scorer, is out. During last year’s championship run, he averaged 23.6 points per game and is an integral part of everything they do. However, there’s still a possibility he’ll show up in this series. If that occurs, the Bucks should be overwhelming favorites to win.
Stephen A. Smith’s logic is sound, but he also understands that Giannis is that guy and that the Bucks are the reigning champions. It would be irresponsible to dismiss them.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
Jackie MacMullan believes Jayson Tatum can learn a lot from Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Related Tags
- is stephen a smith married
- stephen a twitter
- espn first take