ESPN broadcaster Stephen A Smith wasn’t sure he’d ever watch his New York Knicks win a championship throughout his career, which all changed Saturday night after a 94-90 win in Game 5 of the NBA Finals crowned a champion of 2026. It was a moment he’ll never forget, and didn’t hold back in reflecting on the Knicks’ first title in 53 years.
Smith thanked the Knicks organization for making his dreams come true, per ESPN’s First Take.
“My life is good. Saturday night is the greatest moment I have ever experienced as a sports broadcaster, EVER,” Smith said. “I have never been as happy as I was Saturday night. To the crew. To Leon Rose, to Wolrd Wide Wes, heck, even to James Dolan, I got to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Smith also revealed that he’s thrilled to not only watch the Knicks capture their first title since 1973, but that their drought ended before the Dallas Cowboys’ 30-year run, since the NFL’s iconic dynasty in the nineties.
“Thank you for giving me a moment that I never thought I would have in my lifetime. I have nothing to say but the most glowing things about these brothers. I’m grateful. I’m thankful that they have ended — the misery — is real,” Smith added. “I’ve been holding something back from ya’ll for years. I was scared to death that the Dallas Cowboys would win a Super Bowl before the Knicks would win a championship. I was scared as hell.”
"Saturday night is the greatest moment I have ever experienced as a sports broadcaster, EVER!"
@stephenasmith reacts to the Knicks Finals' victory
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— First Take (@FirstTake) June 15, 2026
Now, Smith doesn’t have to worry about Cowboys fans bothering him if they were to finally see Dallas end its three-decade long championship drought.
Stephen A Smith apologizes to Knicks’ Jalen Brunson’s face
ESPN Stephen A Smith had his doubts about Jalen Brunson leading the Knicks to the promised land. When the Knicks announced signing Brunson to a four-year, $104 million in 2022, Smith didn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment.
He was hoping the Knicks would land Kevin Durant or another perennial All-Star. Instead, Brunson proved him wrong, as the Knicks, four years later, have won a championship, which led to Smith’s face-to-face apology.
“In his own way, he reminds me of this every time. It’s automatic… national television, I owe this man an apology,” Smith said. “I am grateful for what you have done for this city, what y’all have done for this city, and you won’t be hearing any more doubts from me, my brother.”
"We'll see about that!"
@jalenbrunson1 responds to @stephenasmith's apology for doubting him
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— First Take (@FirstTake) June 15, 2026
After leading the Knicks with 45 points in Game 5, Brunson was named Finals MVP.
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