Stephen A. Smith Turns Heads With Comments Ahead of Knicks-Pacers

Contributing Sports Writer

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Stephen A. Smith has become one of the most polarizing personalities in the wide world of sports. Ahead of the New York Knicks' Eastern Conference Finals clash with the Indiana Pacers, Smith has become an even more public figure.

As many know, Smith is a diehard Knicks fan. With the team having a chance to punch a ticket to the NBA Finals, he has been very vocal about the series with the Pacers.

Going back some years, New York and Indiana used to sport one of the best rivalries in the NBA. The "Hicks vs. Knicks" years were extremely entertaining, with Reggie Miller and Spike Lee having many infamous run-ins.

Stephen A Smith — NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 07: ESPN featured commentator and executive producer on set on February 07, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs will face each other on... Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

Prior to this year's Eastern Conference Finals, Smith has spoken out with a strong take that has caused a lot of commotion. His comments had to do with Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton.

Smith believes that Brunson is a superstar, but he does not view Haliburton in the same light.

"Brunson is (a superstar), not Haliburton. He's not there yet. He is not overrated, Haliburon is not overrated, he can play, he can close, and I give him mad credit for that, but he's not a superstar," Smith said.

He did make sure to fire back against the narrative that Haliburton is overrated. Recently, the Pacers' star point guard was named the most overrated player in the NBA by the vote of the players. However, many other players and analysts have dismissed that vote.

Last season, these two teams met in the second round of the playoffs. Indiana was able to pull off a shocking Game 7 victory on the road at Madison Square Garden to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. After that, the Pacers lost to the Boston Celtics.

Game 1 of this year's version of the Eastern Conference Finals will be played on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET. Smith has a lot of emotions riding on the series.

While he may not believe that Haliburton is a superstar, Indiana has knocked out both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers in just five games each. The Pacers are going to be no easy opponent for the Knicks to defeat in a seven-game series.

Fans are excited to get the series underway. Haliburton might have some extra motivation following these comments from Smith.

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