Ever since WWE Superstar Danhausen “uncursed” the New York Knicks, they've been on a tear, reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. However, if fans want it to stay that way, Stephen A. Smith needs to meet his demands.
During the episode of First Take before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Danhausen sent a video message to Smith, an avid Knicks fan. His demands range from “more monies” to courtside seats between Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner.
.@DanhausenAD has a price to keep the Knicks uncursed 😭💰 pic.twitter.com/cbtcylgD4g
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 3, 2026
“As you all know, the Knicks have been winning their matches… swept! So, speaking of which, Stephen A. Smith, your checks have cleared so far,” he said. “However, if you want to keep this ‘uncursing' going, perhaps Danhausen's gonna need his own TV show, or more monies, or perhaps those courtside seats, no big deal. You have until tip-off time to decide what happens with the curse.”
Smith wasn't having it. He “didn't hear” the conditions laid out by the “Very Nice, Very Evil” Superstar, making it appear he won't meet the demands.
“People that are serious about this don't blackmail you. They take their position, and they hold to it. He's trying to blackmail; that does not work. He's dampening his reputation by engaging in blackmail.”
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However, even Smith had to acknowledge that “blackmail” leads to “better TV.” If he doesn't meet Danhausen's demands, we'll have to see what it means for the team.
The Knicks' ride to the NBA Finals after Danhausen “uncursed” them
New York Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara (51) and guards Jalen Brunson (11) and Mikal Bridges (25) during practice on media day for the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center.
Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
It's easy to forget that the Knicks were down 2-1 to the Atlanta Hawks in their playoff series in April. However, Danhausen eventually “uncursed” the team, and they've been rolling since.
The Knicks enter the NBA Finals on an 11-game win streak. They have swept their last two playoff opponents, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
They will have a tall task in the Finals, though. The Spurs are coming off a seven-game series against the defending NBA Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who were the highest-seeded team in the league this year.
Ever since WWE Superstar Danhausen “uncursed” the New York Knicks, they've been on a tear, reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. However, if fans want it to stay that way, Stephen A. Smith needs to meet his demands. During the episode of First Take before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Danhausen sent a video message to Smith, an avid Knicks fan.