Picture this: You and your best friend are watching a game, but you’re backing different teams. You already know the tension is sky-high. Now, don’t think for a second that this kind of rivalry only happens in your living room. Even NBA insiders aren’t immune to the heat of the moment. Sometimes, it gets so intense that one might even say, “I want him suspended.” And that’s exactly what ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith told his colleague, the same guy who even impressed Magic Johnson with his game analysis. Yep, we’re talking about Udonis Haslem. So, how did things go south? Let’s break it down.
This week, Haslem stopped by ESPN’s First Take and made a playoff prediction that had everyone talking. He said the New York Knicks would crash out in the first round at the hands of the Detroit Pistons. Now, if you know Stephen A. Smith, you know he wasn’t about to let that slide. The man lives and breathes Knicks basketball. So when he heard Haslem’s take, he lost it (in the most Stephen A. way possible). He even joked that Haslem should be suspended fully aware that Magic Johnson had his back.
Stephen A. Smith wasn’t holding back when he heard Haslem’s prediction. He went full Knicks fan mode and said, “He(Udonis Haslem) should be suspended immediately, you understand, for saying such things knowing how that was going to break my heart. This really really hurts…” Now, was Smith actually calling for a suspension? Of course not. But if heartbreak could get someone banned, Haslem would be out indefinitely.
UD responds to Stephen A wanting him suspended after this hot take yesterday https://t.co/ZJkUouJQwn pic.twitter.com/bfPfDwNpky
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) March 19, 2025
But guess what? Haslem didn’t back down. In fact, on a recent episode of NBA Today, he doubled down hard. Smacking the table for emphasis, he fired back, “Hey, guess what? I’m doubling down, Stephen A.” Then, with even more confidence, he added, “The boys want that smoke? Come on, win it, New York Knicks, if you want to.” That’s classic Heat culture right there. no backing down, no sugarcoating, just straight-up calling the Knicks out. And honestly, that’s the kind of energy Magic Johnson has always admired in players. Always ready for battle.
Magic Johnson always ready for battle
If you think Magic Johnson is just a basketball superstar, then you are completely wrong. He was the guy who changed the game, literally. From earning the nickname “Magic” in college to running the legendary Showtime Lakers, he was always ready to give his 110%. With 5 NBA titles, 4 Finals MVPs, and over 10,000 assists, he made winning look nothing but a walk in the park. Can you imagine this man’s aura? But beyond the stats, it was his flashy blind passes and megawatt smile that made him one of the most beloved athletes ever.
Then came 1992, when Magic helped build the greatest basketball team of all time, the USA Dream Team. The Olympic rule change in ’89 allowed NBA players to compete, and Magic was the guy who convinced legends like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird to join. The result? A team that didn’t just win in Barcelona; they dominated, crushing opponents by an average of 43 points.
The gold medal moment was pure magic. Fierce NBA rivals standing together, draped in the Stars and Stripes, redefining basketball forever. The Dream Team didn’t just win games; they changed the sport, inspiring generations. Magic later called it “the greatest moment of my life.” And honestly? It’s hard to argue with that.
The post Magic Johnson’s Endorsement “Doubles Down” on Controversial New York Take, Leaving Stephen A. Smith Heartbroken appeared first on EssentiallySports.
