Stephen A. Smith Did Not Mince Words on Knicks’ ‘Disgraceful’ Loss to Pacers in Game 1

The New York Knicks were up by as many as 17 points with six and a half minutes remaining in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference finals series against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.

The Knicks, however, suffered a monumental collapse, as they let the Pacers get back into the game and steal a win in overtime, 138-135.

ESPN broadcaster and self-professed Knicks loyalist Stephen A. Smith got the opportunity to share his thoughts on New York’s devastating Game 1 loss in Madison Square Garden. The outspoken sportscaster did not hold back as he trashed the Knicks in what he described as a “disgusting” performance.

“It was a disgraceful performance by the New York Knicks in the last three minutes of the game, plus regulation,” Smith started.  “… Complete collapse. It was a choke job.

“… They look like a team coach that don’t practice … I’m totally disgusted, I’m speaking on behalf of a depressed, demoralized New York fan base, and they gotta step up and make amends for this.”

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23). © Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Smith pointed out how the Knicks committed turnovers, missed their free throws and took ill-advised three-point shots in crunch time. The analyst also complained about New York failing to defend Aaron Nesmith down the stretch, as the Pacers’ stud torched them with six triples in Indiana’s furious fourth-quarter comeback.

“(The Knicks) got cocky, y’all,” Smith continued. “They got comfortable. They were like, ‘Yo, we got this in the bag.’ … I’m highly upset.”

The Knicks will have to collect themselves quickly after the deflating turn of events in Game 1. They return to action in MSG on Friday for Game 2, and another loss will be unacceptable for them.

Losing one game at home is tough, but another loss for the Knicks on Friday night would be catastrophic.