ESPN/ABC pundit Stephen A. Smith, one of the great modern hot take artists, has made controversial headlines throughout these ongoing 2025 NBA Finals.
Smith has been called out for playing "Solitaire" on his phone during active play, and he and fellow basketball analyst Kendrick Perkins were at one point derided by two courtside fans wearing cutouts of their faces atop the ugly prom tuxedos from "Dumb And Dumber."
But the action on the hardwood has been great, with or without those distractions.
Although the Finals' ratings are down, these have been some of the most surprisingly thrilling games in one of the most competitive series in years.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton drives with the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 19, 2025.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton drives with the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 19, 2025.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Accordingly, the series between the heavily-favored Oklahoma City Thunder and the upstart Indiana Pacers is knotted up at 3-3, following a stunning 108-91 Indiana blowout victory in Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday.
The Finals now shifts back to Oklahoma City, and will be determined in a Game 7 on Sunday.
On "First Take" Friday morning, Smith offered up a bold prediction for the final matchup in what is shaping up to be an all-time classic series between young squads on the rise.
"I think Game 7 is going to be a thriller. I don't think it's going to be a blowout. I think it's going to be tight," Smith said.
"There are times when they [Oklahoma City] just lag offensively, they can't seem to get anything going, but they know how to neutralize you defensively," Smith said. "I think it's going to be close in the fourth quarter. I'm not saying that OKC's not going to pull away because I still believe in them."