The New York Knicks are riding high after a thrilling first-round victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jalen Brunson has emerged as the team’s star player, and Madison Square Garden is electric with excitement. Even Stephen A. Smith, who received criticism for his outlandish opinions, had also joined in the jubilant celebrations. Meanwhile, Smith, a superfan and broadcaster for the Knicks, has offered his bold prediction for the team’s future and Jimmy Butler.

“I’m thinking Finals baby, I’m thinking Finals,” Smith exclaimed, undeterred by the difficult path ahead. The Knicks will face the Miami Heat in the second round. However, Smith has claimed some big predictions surrounding Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat. 

Stephen A. Smith is scared of Jimmy Butler?

Smith’s excitement was tempered when he watched Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat dominate the Milwaukee Bucks in the opening game of their series. Butler’s performance, in particular, caught Smith’s attention. “That damn Jimmy Butler scares the hell out of me because I know what he’s doing,” Smith said in his ‘Know Mercy’ podcast. “That dude, I know him. He’s all about the big moment, he’s all about the fourth quarter, he’s all about the postseason.”

Smith’s concern is justified. Butler has a reputation as a clutch player, someone who rises to the occasion in high-pressure situations. His performance against the Bucks was evidence of that. According to Smith, he scored 56 points, including a number of clutch shots in the fourth quarter, to lead the Heat to victory. 

Smith further added, “You know what Jimmy Butler’s thinking? The Knicks are next, the Knicks are next. That’s what he’s thinking. He ain’t gonna shove aside Milwaukee, he gonna take them seriously… He’s fantasizing about coming to New York City and ruining the next season… That man is coming for Gotham City, he’s coming for Broadway. He’s trying to take over because he knows what kind of message that would send. So the Knicks better be ready.”

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Butler’s eye-catching performance has Smith worried about the Knicks’ chances against the Heat in the next round. “He’s fantasizing about coming to New York City and ruining the next season,” Smith said. “He wants to take the euphoria that has resonated and hovered over New York over these past days and weeks and months and he wants to ruin the hearts of New Yorkers everywhere.”

Can the Knicks overcome the challenge of Jimmy Butler and Miami Heat?

Smith’s fears are not unfounded. Butler is a fierce competitor who thrives in high-pressure situations. He relishes the chance to play in big games, and he knows that a victory over the Knicks would send a powerful message to the league. But the Knicks are not without their own weapons. Jalen Brunson has emerged as a star player, and RJ Barrett has proven himself to be a reliable contributor. The team has shown resilience and determination, and they will not go down without a fight.

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Smith’s prediction of a Knicks appearance in the Finals may be bold, but it is not impossible. The team has already overcome one hurdle, and they will be looking to continue their momentum in the next round. The Heat may be a formidable opponent, but the Knicks are not to be underestimated.