Stephen A. Smith: Why I deserve credit for Knicks championship run

Stephan A.Smith says he deserves credit for the Knicks’ 11-game playoff win streak.On ESPN’s “First Take” on Wednesday, Smith said he should get recognition for fueling the Knicks’ first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1999 by calling the team out during the playoffs.“I deserve some credit, so I’m going to take it,” Smith said.

“You know, when I called the Knicks out, I almost had a stroke on national television.They didn’t lose since.

They’ve been 11-0.”Smith called out the Knicks after a 109-108 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 3 of the first round of the NBA playoffs.“Let me tell y’all something right now.Change is coming to New York City.

There’s going to be another head coach in New York City if they lose this series.” Smith said on “First Take” at the time.“Several players are going to be gone from New York City if y’all lose this game.”Mikal Bridges did not score in the Game 3 loss, Josh Hart had only two points and the bench provided just 30 points.The Knicks shot 40-of-93 (43%) from the field and 10-of-35 (29%) from behind the arc in the game.“Bunch of sorry asses right now.

I’m so sick of what I’m seeing right now.I’m losing my damn mind,” Smith said while continuing his rant for nearly five more minutes.Since then, though, the Knicks have won 11 straight, including the sixth-largest playoff victory in NBA history in a 41-point Game 6 win over the Hawks.

Own this piece of history with our cover celebrating the Knicks sweep over the Cavs.Show the boys some love as they face off against the Spurs to take the championship.

After 27 years, we’re back in the finals.Immortalize this moment.

No matter what happens from here, we made it, and nobody can take that away.Bonkers feels like the only appropriate word to describe this season.

Bridges has improved since Game 3 as well, averaging 14.6 points per game, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the playoffs....