It looked like Game 5 and the series against the 76ers was all over for the Knicks on Tuesday night at the Garden, but it was over before then.
And their fans, including Stephen A. Smith, were completely stunned.
With the Knicks leading by six points and 25.1 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Tyrese Maxey made a 3-point shot, but was fouled by Mitchell Robinson, making it a four-point play.
After Josh Hart made one of two free throws at the other end, Maxey hit a deep trey from 34 feet to tie the game at 97-97 with 8.1 seconds left.
Knicks lose. Stephen A. Smith/X
Jalen Brunson was blocked on his last second attempt, and the 76ers won 112-106 in overtime, sending them to Game 6 in Philadelphia.
Smith, an ESPN “First Take” personality and Knicks fan, posted to X shortly after the heartbreaking loss and appeared a mix of frustrated and distraught.
After about eight seconds of heavy breathing and exasperation, Smith yelled, “Dang!”
“Why did Mitchell Robinson foul Tyrese Maxey on that 3-pointer?” Smith asked. “Why did Josh Hart commit a turnover on an outlet pass? Why didn’t he make both free throws instead of just one? Why did he look erratic the entire game? ”
After the game, Robinson didn’t mince words about Maxey’s foul against him.
“Take it like a man. You messed up. Now, you’ll be better next game,” Robinson told reporters.
Smith then turned his attention to Jalen Brunson, who finished the game with 40 points.
“Jalen Brunson was great overall with a 40-point performance, but he didn’t realize he had four teammates on the court in overtime and had them pass the ball to him instead of taking every shot. Did you?”
Brunson made all but two shots in overtime, making 3 of 7 from the field, and the Knicks lost by six points.
ESPN’s talking head said the Knicks without Julius Randle can’t afford to play like they did at the end of the game.
The Knicks, who came very close to finishing the series on their home court, must play Game 6 in Philadelphia on Thursday.
Exasperated, Smith only said one word to end his rant.
“Dammit!” Smith yelled.
A similar refrain was likely heard in many parts of the New York metropolitan area Tuesday night.
