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Stephen A. Smith Apologizes After Knicks' 50-Year Title

6/21/2026

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Summary

Smith Apologizes

Stephen A. Smith apologized on a Madison Square Garden podcast after the Knicks won NBA title in five decades, and was booed while Hart displayed the trophy.
Smith said he was wrong, apologized to Brunson, Hart and the Knicks, and recalled the prior championship when he was four.
He added he would criticize if his comments helped secure a championship and mentioned Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride and Carmelo Anthony.

Summary

Roommates Show Fundraiser

Proceeds from the sell-out show were donated to the Garden of Dreams Foundation, MSG’s nonprofit for children in need.
The Roommates Show was taped in the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden and simulcast on ESPN.
The Knicks’ championship parade on June 18 drew two million people to Lower Manhattan, celebrating the first title since 1973.
It was the podcast’s first arena-wide audience, converting the show into a charitable fundraiser.

History

Historical Context

After the Knicks won their second NBA title in 1973, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1, the city celebrated at Madison Square Garden, a pattern that returns with each New York championship. The team’s five regular starters later entered the Hall of Fame, and the 1973 win remained the franchise’s last until a title in 2026, linking victory with civic pride.

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Smith Apologizes

Stephen A. Smith apologized on a Madison Square Garden podcast after the Knicks won NBA title in five decades, and was booed while Hart displayed the trophy.
Smith said he was wrong, apologized to Brunson, Hart and the Knicks, and recalled the prior championship when he was four.
He added he would criticize if his comments helped secure a championship and mentioned Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride and Carmelo Anthony.

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