ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Admits He Is Worried About New York Knicks Against Miami Heat

Even though ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is a die-hard New York Knicks’ fan, he admits he has some concerns for their upcoming series against the Miami Heat because of star Jimmy Butler.

The Heat have relied on Butler this season and his performance in the playoffs topped it off. Some NBA pundits have even created nicknames for him, such as “Playoff Jimmy” and “Himmy Butler”.

On a Friday episode of First Take, Smith’s co-host, Molly Qerim, asked him if he fears Butler.

“I wouldn’t say ‘fear’ but I’m concerned,” Smith replied. “Jimmy Butler leads all players averaging 37 points per game in this postseason. Leads all NBA players in fastbreak points, averaging over 19 fast break points per game in this season. Led all players with 19 points, six points in the paint. Fourth in the league with fast break points. I get it. I understand."

Although the Knicks are favored by many sportsbooks to win the series, their best players are dealing with injuries. Quentin Grimes was sidelined the final two games against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a shoulder injury and Julius Randle has an ankle injury he sustained in Game 5. i

"[Butler] averaged 20 against the Knicks this season," Smith said. "I get that, too. Grimes, who was his primary defender, he’s been out the last two games with a shoulder injury. I don’t know if he’s going to be back. That puts a lot of pressure on Josh Hart. I get all of that. Miami is a damn good team.”

Even through all the setbacks, Smith is still confident his home team can advance to the Eastern Conference finals, especially with home court advantage.

“RJ Barrett has been playing great the last three games, played all four games against the Heat, shot better than 51 percent from the field,” he continued. “I expect him to show up. Julius Randle get healthy, I expect you to show up. Jalen Brunson, he shot over 50 percent with Jimmy Butler guarding him this year. I expect you to show up. New York stand up! We winning this series! We winning this series in seven games!”

This series also reunites Butler and Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, who have been close for years. Thibodeau coached Butler and the Chicago Bulls from 2011 to 2015 and the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018. With so many years together, Butler know’s what to expect from Thibodeau.

“Jimmy Butler’s coming,” Smith warned. “Tom Thibodeau, who played for in Chicago and Minnesota. Jimmy knows him, Jimmy’s coming for him!”

Game 1 is Sunday in New York

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.