Ultrahot analysis from Stephen A. Smith following Knicks' triumphant Game 1 victory
In an electrifying turn of events, the New York Knicks billowed through the clouds and dethroned the Boston Celtics 108-105 in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs' second round. As expected, Stephen A. Smith erupted on ESPN's "First Take," showering praises on his cherished Knicks for securing the 1-0 series lead.
"I ain't blind, nor am I delusional," Stephen A. Smith dished on First Take, "I get that you got to sweep four games to seal the deal, but dammit, let's sip some orange and blue Kool-Aid for a minute, 'cause that's what this mornin' is about! It's orange and blue skies, baby! That's what we talkin' about here."
While Smith acknowledged the Boston Celtics as the odds-on favorites for the series, he opted to savor the moment and admire the Knicks' hard-earned victory. Jalen Brunson's heroics were particularly noteworthy, according to Smith, who spotted Brunson driving, diving, and slashing a colossal 20 points in the crucial fourth quarter.
"Let me tell you about this man, Brunson! Not once. Not twice. Yah! Three times, this is what the man did in the fourth quarter!" Smith enthused. He applauded Brunson's leadership, which led the Knicks to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat when they were 20 points down in the third quarter.
Smith hailed Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Brunson for contributing to the win, expressing delight that the Knicks, who had remained winless against the top three teams in the NBA during the regular season, toppled one of the cream-of-the-crop Celtics on their home turf.
"I saw the New York Knicks, a team that couldn't get a win against the top three teams in the NBA, storming into Boston like stormtroopers, still undefeated on the road this postseason, blowin' the dust off the Celtics!" Smith hollered, emphasizing the historical significance of the Knicks' win.
As the Knicks successfully mustered a furious comeback, they capitalized on the Celtics' three-point shooting woes, setting their sights on a 2-0 series run by snatching another victory in Boston on Wednesday.
Enrichment Data:
- Stephen A. Smith's commentary on the Knicks' Game 1 win dwells on Jalen Brunson's exceptional play and leadership, highlighting his critical role in the Knicks' success.
- Smith points out the Knicks' resilience during their comeback from a 20-point deficit, stressing their strong second-half performance and demonstrating their determination to win.
- Smith deems the Knicks potential champions, praising Brunson's phenomenal play and asserting his status as a player of the year candidate.
- Analysts also highlight the Celtics' shooting woes from three and their inability to maintain their early lead against the motivated Knicks.
- The Celtics' three-point shooting, although impressive at times, failed to hold off the Knicks' late surge and ultimate triumph.
- Stephen A. Smith emphasized Jalen Brunson's impressive play and leadership, deeming him crucial to the Knicks' success in their Game 1 victory over the Celtics.
- Smith commended the Knicks for their resilience in mounting a fierce comeback from a 20-point deficit, showcasing their determination to win and strong second-half performance.
- Expressing delight, Smith saw the Knicks as potential champions, positioning Brunson as a player of the year candidate due to his phenomenal play.
- Analysts also brought attention to the Celtics' struggles with three-point shooting, suggesting this factor contributed to their inability to maintain their early lead against the motivated Knicks.
- The Knicks will aim to build on their Game 1 win, aiming for a 2-0 series run against the Celtics in Boston on Wednesday, as they capitalize on their opponents' three-point shooting woes.
