Stephen A. Rips Knicks: ‘Disgusted’ by Lack of Fire!

Stephen A. Smith Unleashes Fury on Knicks After Game 2 Loss

Stephen A. Smith is not holding back.

After the New York Knicks dropped Game 2 of their playoff series, Smith declared himself “disgusted” with the team’s performance and attitude. He believes the Knicks are lacking the essential “grit” and “fire” needed to compete at the highest level, especially in the playoffs.

Players like Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges acknowledged the loss, with Hart stating, “that’s a game we should have won.” Bridges added that sometimes a loss is needed to highlight areas that need improvement. However, Smith argues that the Knicks aren’t using this loss effectively, calling for more from players like Bridges, who he feels is underperforming given his contract. “I need more from him.

I don’t give a damn what that more is. Figure it the hell out,” Smith demanded.

Is the Loss a Blessing in Disguise?

The discussion on First Take revolved around whether the Game 2 loss could actually be a positive for the Knicks. Kenny Smith suggested that sometimes a loss can be a “wakeup call,” prompting necessary adjustments. He noted that winning can sometimes mask underlying issues, preventing teams from making critical changes.

Stephen A. Smith agreed, calling the loss a “blessing in disguise” because it forces the team to confront their weaknesses.

He highlighted the energy shift in the film room after a loss, where mistakes are more readily addressed. Smith pointed to specific moments, like Jaylen Brunson being targeted on defense, as issues that might have been overlooked if the Knicks had won.

Criticism of Player and Coaching Decisions

Smith didn’t spare the coaching staff, questioning why key players like Jaylen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns were benched together for extended periods. He cited statistics showing the Knicks were outscored by 76 points in non-garbage time minutes when both stars were on the bench during the regular season. “Why the hell are they ON THE BENCH TOGETHER against the Atlanta Hawks?” Smith exclaimed.

He also called out Mikal Bridges directly, referencing his struggles against the Atlanta Hawks this season. Smith reminded viewers that six first-round picks were traded for Bridges, emphasizing the high expectations. He also questioned OG Anunoby’s defensive effort, suggesting that players need to step up and take individual responsibility for stopping opponents like CJ McCollum.

Concerns About Knicks’ “Toughness”

Kenny Smith expressed concern about a perceived drop in the Knicks’ “grit” and “fight” over the past few seasons. He recalled a time when perimeter defense was the Knicks’ strength, with players like Bridges and Josh Hart expected to lead that charge. He found it surprising how easily CJ McCollum was able to penetrate the paint in Game 2.

“As a Knicks fan, I’mma go back to being a fan. So what would bother me is the fact that as a fan I would always believe that the Knicks when you say New York toughness is that the perimeter was always the first line of defense,” Kenny explained. He feels the team has become “lackluster” in stopping dribble penetration.

Jaylen Brunson’s Struggles and Advice

The conversation also touched on Jaylen Brunson’s performance. While he started strong in Game 1, Smith pointed out that over the last seven quarters, Brunson’s shooting percentage has dropped significantly to 30%. Smith advised Brunson to study Stephen Curry’s evolution, suggesting that improving his defense is the next step for his game.

“Steph Curry graduated in that fourth NBA championship when he started to defend,” Smith said. “That’s the next step for Jaylen Brunson.” He stressed that players need to be held accountable for the team’s overall performance, regardless of coaching changes.

Looking Ahead for the Knicks

Despite the harsh criticism, the analysts acknowledged that the Knicks have an opportunity to correct their course in a seven-game series. They stressed the importance of making adjustments and finding sustainability, which is key to long-term success. The upcoming games in Atlanta will be crucial for the Knicks to avoid falling into a deep hole.

The Atlanta Hawks are seen as a team playing with “house money,” having nothing to lose. Smith urged the Knicks to win at least one game in Atlanta to prevent returning to New York down 3-1. The focus remains on whether the Knicks can find the intensity and execution needed to advance.

Source: Stephen A. is ‘DISGUSTED’ with the Knicks 😬 ‘I NEED MORE!’ | First Take (YouTube)