The Knicks’ Championship Victory Leaves Stephen A. Smith Awestruck

It’s hard to find words after a moment like that, even for someone as expressive as Stephen A. Smith.

The ESPN host and devoted Knicks fan was on the court at the Frostbank Center in San Antonio, witnessing the team’s first championship win in 53 years.

“I honestly can’t describe it. I wasn’t playing, and they were the ones putting in the work. But after 53 long years with so many rough patches for us Knicks fans…” he reflected, fresh off the Knicks’ victory in Game 5 of the 1994 NBA Finals. “Being here tonight, I must admit, I didn’t think I’d ever see this day until this series got going.”

Smith has been on quite the emotional ride as a Knicks supporter while working at ESPN, becoming one of the major faces of the network.

Much of that tenure was spent voicing his frustrations about the team, especially during years when disappointment seemed to follow them everywhere.

“So many moments stick out—the missed layup by Charles Smith, and [Patrick] Ewing’s infamous finger roll. Those Game 7s really hurt. Being born in the Bronx, raised in Hollis, Queens, it’s surreal to finally see the end of this 53-year drought,” he remarked, a mix of nostalgia and disbelief shinning through.

For Smith, along with countless other New Yorkers, victory came on Saturday night as the Knicks triumphed over the Spurs, 94-90. Jalen Brunson’s stellar performance in the fourth quarter, with an impressive total of 45 points, was the deciding factor in clinching the series.

“I’m at a loss for words,” Smith said, trying to make sense of it all. “This feeling, it’s unparalleled. It’s genuinely the best feeling I’ve ever experienced while covering sports. I can’t believe this is real.”