Stephen A. Slams Knicks: “Softer” Team Lacks Grit After Lakers Loss

Stephen A. Smith Unleashes Fury on Knicks After Lakers Stumble

The New York Knicks’ recent struggles have ignited the ire of Stephen A. Smith, who emphatically declared the team “softer” and lacking the crucial grit that defined them last season. Following a dispiriting 118-104 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Smith didn’t hold back on ESPN’s First Take, expressing deep concern about the team’s mental fortitude and overall identity.

Lakers Deal Blow to Knicks’ Momentum

The Lakers, playing without LeBron James, controlled the game from the outset, never trailing. While Luka Doncic put up 35 points for the Lakers, the Knicks struggled to capitalize, even with the Lakers’ star sidelined. A particularly damning statistic for New York was the zero points from Mikal Bridges on six shot attempts in 27 minutes, a performance that left Smith fuming.

“Well, listen. You know what? You could say it’s just a bad game, but damn it, I’m a Knicks fan, so we gonna keep it a buck. It’s It’s a bad sign. It’s a bad sign.”

Smith pointed to multiple concerning results that preceded the Lakers’ defeat, including three losses to the Detroit Pistons and a previous defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He highlighted the Pistons’ dominant victories, including one by 30 points and another where they were up by 40, and a subsequent loss at home to Detroit even with key players suspended. Cunningham’s 42-point outburst against the Knicks was another stark example of their vulnerability.

A Loss of Identity?

The core of Smith’s frustration lies in what he perceives as a fundamental shift in the Knicks’ identity. “This is not the same team other than Tom Thibido. It’s not the same team. They are softer. They are softer,” he declared. He contrasted the current squad with the feisty, gritty team that battled their way to a strong playoff showing last season, citing the energy and fight that seemed to be missing against the Lakers.

Smith specifically lamented the absence of players like Dante DiVincenzo, whom he described as a “protector of Jalen Brunson” and someone willing to be “feisty” and “fight.” He believes the current team, while talented, lacks that essential edge that allows them to respond when adversity strikes.

The Mikal Bridges Dilemma and Future Concerns

A significant point of contention for Smith is the acquisition of Mikal Bridges, for whom the Knicks reportedly surrendered four unprotected first-round picks. While acknowledging Bridges’ talent, Smith questioned the steep price, suggesting that those assets could have potentially landed a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo. He urged Bridges to “remember that you the dude they gave up five first-round picks for” and to elevate his game.

Smith also touched upon the team’s offensive struggles, particularly in their three-point shooting. The Knicks shot a dismal 8-of-34 from beyond the arc against the Lakers, marking the seventh game this season where they shot 25% or worse from three, all of which resulted in losses. He dismissed arguments about the early start time or the effects of daylight saving time, stating, “My four and three-year-olds have adjusted to the time change already. I don’t want to hear about grown men having a problem with one hour.”

Counterarguments and the Path Forward

Not everyone on the panel agreed with Smith’s dire assessment. Brian Windhorst and Monica McNutt offered a more measured perspective, suggesting that the Lakers’ loss might be a temporary setback rather than a fundamental flaw. McNutt pointed to the Knicks’ strong defensive performance since January 15th, ranking them as the best defense in the league during that stretch, a significant improvement from their 15th-ranked defense last season.

McNutt also highlighted the team’s impressive road victory against the Denver Nuggets, a championship-caliber team, as evidence of their potential. She argued that factors like the early start time in Los Angeles, the absence of LeBron James (which she noted can sometimes make the Lakers a more cohesive unit offensively), and the general distractions of a Saturday night in LA could have contributed to the poor performance.

“I still think this is a small blip. I still think the Knicks have as good of a chance as anybody in getting to the NBA finals. Stephen A, don’t overreact. It’s fluid.”

Despite these counterpoints, Smith remained unconvinced, emphasizing that his concerns stem from a pattern of inconsistent performances and a perceived lack of fight, not just the Lakers game. He urged the team to “step up and understand this is a different situation” and to regain the grit that made them a formidable opponent.

Celtics’ Resurgence with Tatum’s Return

In contrast to the Knicks’ struggles, the Boston Celtics are showing renewed vigor with the return of Jason Tatum. Tatum has been instrumental in the Celtics’ recent success, contributing significantly in wins against the Mavericks and Cavaliers. His impressive play, including a stat line of 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, has positioned the Celtics as strong contenders in the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics are now just two and a half games behind the Detroit Pistons for the top seed in the East. While some caution remains regarding Tatum’s stamina over a grueling NBA schedule, his immediate impact has silenced doubters and placed Boston firmly in the championship conversation. The Eastern Conference landscape remains fluid, with teams like the Celtics and potentially the Pistons appearing as early favorites over the struggling Knicks.

Source: BAD SIGN ‼️ Stephen A. ISN'T HAPPY with his Knicks after losing to the Lakers 😒 | First Take (YouTube)