Stephen A. Smith is a controversial analyst. His interactions and altercations with players defy the preconceived notions of sports media. But it certainly makes for thrilling TV. Smith, with his hot takes, can tend to offend some players. He has had his fair share of feuds in the past, one of which was with Kevin Durant. The Phoenix Suns superstar did not take too kindly to Stephen A.’s questions about his legacy. So, Durant called him out for it. Now that the Suns are legitimate contenders, Smith has come out with an extremely hot take on his show First Take. He believes the Nuggets will win in 5 games.
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The Denver Nuggets are currently leading the series 1-0. The previous game was smothering for the Suns. Denver played some great basketball. They controlled both the offensive and defensive board better than Phoenix and also had a lot more steals.
Kendrick Perkins and Stephen A. Smith had an intense debate about the upcoming series. While Perkins urged Smith to discount the loss, the First Take host was adamant that the Suns will lose.
Stephen A. Smith believes the Suns will lose the series
Smith started his argument with a wild prediction. He claimed that the Denver Nuggets looked dangerous and he was scared for the Valley of the Sun. Smith supported his take by praising Jamal Murray.
The ESPN analyst talked of Anthony Reaves, and Malik Monk to highlight how they are being praised right now. However, he feels Jamal Murray is a much better player and can be far more lethal.
Stephen A. then went on to mention Nikola Jokic’s dominant performance and Aaron Gordon’s physicality. He believes that not only can the Nuggets win the series, but they can put in the bag in just 5 games.
In the latest episode of First Take, Smith states (at the 3minute 20 seconds mark): “Let me tell you this, I am so scared by the Denver Nuggets, I am scared Phoenix might lose in 5. That’s how scared I am.”
Smith beefed with Kevin Durant the last season
In 2022, the Brooklyn Nets were in shambles. After the All-Star break, James Harden had left leaving Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant to fend for themselves. Stephen A. questioned Durant’s legacy after that epic collapse.
KD, however, wasn’t too impressed by it. He called Smith a hater who thrived on propagating negative TV. He claimed he wished to see Smith change but revealed his disappointment. Not the healthiest interaction between an NBA player and an analyst.
