Heart Broken Since 1973, Stephen A. Smith Vents Frustration on Jalen Brunson’s Knicks & Their NBA Playoff Campaign

The New York Knicks have been one of the most storied franchises in the league. Several iconic players like Patrick Ewing, Carmelo Anthony, Walt Frazier, Bernard King, and many more have donned the famous blue and orange stripes of the Knicks. Despite this, they have failed to clinch an NBA title since 1973. They are, thus, currently enduring one of the longest title droughts in NBA history.

However, there is a sense of optimism within and around the Knicks organization after a very promising last couple of seasons. Furthermore, the New York Knicks have established themselves as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. They currently occupy the 3rd spot in the Eastern Conference standings, with only one regular season game remaining. So hype and anticipation surrounding the Knicks is at an all-time high. Many fans expect them to go deep into the playoffs. Maybe even the NBA Finals. ESPN analyst and Knicks fan Stephen A. Smith happens to share this optimistic outlook.

During the latest episode of the Drinks Champ podcast, Stephen A. Smith stated that the Boston Celtics are the only “roadblock” between the Knicks and the NBA Finals. He said, “I’m looking at the Boston Celtics and saying ‘that should be the only team standing in your way right now.’ Boston is the one roadblock standing in your face. TO ME. Anything other than a trip to the conference finals, if you’re healthy, is a failure.”

Stephen A. Smith further went on to describe the sheer frustration the Knicks’ fanbase has suffered. He said, “Have you suffered since 1973? You don’t know what kind of suffering we’ve been through. I was five years old in 1973 when the New York Knicks went to the Finals.” With the expectations through the roof, can the Knicks finally end their long title drought?

Can the New York Knicks win the 2024 NBA Title?

Fans of the New York Knicks have suffered for more than five decades. Despite legends like Ewing and Carmelo Anthony representing them, the Knicks’ failure to win the NBA title has confounded many fans and analysts. However, the promise that the current Knicks’ side is immense. All-Stars like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle provide an excellent base upon which the front office can build upon. And they have done exactly that this season.

The New York Knicks pulled off a blockbuster trade for Toronto’s OG Anunoby in late December, which saw RJ Barrett and Emmanuel Quickley go the other way. The acquisition of OG Anunoby instantly took the Knicks to the next level. In fact, the Knicks have won 19 out of the 22 games that Anunoby has played in.

However, an elbow injury has limited OG Anunoby’s time in New York. And that’s been the case for other key players like Julius Randle (shoulder) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle). If the Knicks manage to get most of their key players fit and healthy for the postseason, then they are one of the few teams with a legitimate chance of winning the 2024 NBA title. Currently, if the team lands a win against the Bulls in their last matchup and the Bucks lose theirs, the Knicks can move up to 2nd seed and fetch homecourt advantage; increasing their chances of a favorable outcome.