The New York Knicks have done it. After a 25-year hiatus, the Knicks will step foot in the Eastern Conference Finals again.
This is after New York took down the defending champions, Boston Celtics, on Friday night, 119-81, in Game 6 of their second-round NBA playoffs series. The Knicks will now face the Indiana Pacers in the next round, with the winner of that series progressing to the NBA Finals.
ESPN analyst and famous Knicks loyalist Stephen A. Smith was one of the happiest individuals in Madison Square Garden following the Knicks' historic win. The renowned sportscaster did not hesitate as he made his bold prediction for the upcoming Knicks-Pacers series.
"I think it's got seven games written all over it," Smith declared. "The Indiana Pacers aren't considered elite defensively, at least by some, but they're certainly big-time offensively. They can put points up in bunches, and they can get stops when they need to stop. They're a well-balanced team.
"You don't look at anybody on their squad and say superstar, but they are to be big-time respected."
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks to pass the ball against Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11).
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks to pass the ball against Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11).
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Smith went on to heap praise on Tyrese Haliburton, questioning anyone who still labels the All-Star point guard as "overrated." The ESPN broadcaster also pointed to Myles Turner and a few other players on the Pacers roster who he believes will pose problems for New York.
"They're well-balanced," Smith said of the Pacers. "They're exceptionally, exceptionally well-coached by a champion in Rick Carlisle, and they have no problem going up against the New York Knicks. "
"... So the New York Knicks are going to have to show up. I think they're going to have to be more efficient offensively. I think they're going to have to be more consistent defensively in order to win this series."
"It's got seven games written all over it, and I believe this series will come down to a Game Seven at Madison Square Garden for the right to go to the NBA Finals."
Smith stopped short of picking a winner of this series, but there's no denying where his heart lies.
Whatever the case might be, it appears that NBA fans are in for a real treat in the Eastern Conference Finals.
These two teams take the court on Wednesday in Game 1 in Madison Square Garden.