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3w ago

Mike Breen Says Stephen A. Smith Misread His Knicks Remarks About Expectations

The back-and-forth spotlights a rift over whether New York’s rise should set a Finals-or-bust bar for this postseason.

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows stephen a smith bashes mike breen's knicks defense, Image 2 shows ESPN/ABC basketball announcers Doris Burke and Mike Breen during the second quarter of the game between the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on March 2, 2025 , Image 3 shows New York Knicks president Leon Rose watching gameplay

Overview

  • Breen told ESPN New York that Smith misunderstood his message, saying he was praising how far the Knicks have come rather than lowering the bar.
  • Smith had rebuked Breen on First Take, urging him not to “give passes” to team brass and insisting fans should expect a trip to the NBA Finals.
  • Breen’s original comments came on the MSG broadcast of a 136-96 win over the Bulls, where he noted many now view anything short of the Finals as a disappointment and urged fans to recall pre–Leon Rose struggles.
  • New York is 50-28 with four games left, holding a one-game edge over Cleveland for the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.
  • Smith also questioned Leon Rose’s trade for Mikal Bridges, citing Bridges’ 11.6 points per game since the All-Star break, as the team comes off its first East finals appearance since 2000 last season.