The 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder have delivered intense drama on the court. But off the court, it’s ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith who is stealing headlines, for all the wrong reasons.
During halftime of Game 5, Smith made a baffling comment about Tyrese Haliburton, who has been dealing with an injury throughout the series.
“Haliburton has looked awful and I’m glad he’s injured,” Smith said before trying to walk it back with, “I’m not saying I’m glad he’s injured, but I’m glad we got that as a rational.”
That half-hearted clarification didn’t go over well with NBA fans, who lit up social media in frustration.
Fans Let Smith Have It Online
NBA Twitter wasted no time in dragging the veteran analyst. @WalderSports responded bluntly:
“One of the worst things I’ve heard Stephen A. say. And that’s saying a lot.”
Another user, @GTC901, posted:
“This man just said he’s glad Haliburton is injured. Are you serious?”
@HPbasketball (Matt Moore) added to the criticism:
“There’s zero reason to say anything close to that. What are we doing?”
Smith’s Controversies Aren’t New
This isn’t the first time Stephen A. Smith has gone viral for a questionable take. But considering the gravity of the NBA Finals and the respect Haliburton has earned across the league, this one hit differently. Smith has also been mocked this series for appearing distracted, once caught on-air playing solitaire on his phone during a segment.
As the Thunder close in on their first-ever title, it’s unfortunate that the biggest conversation after Game 5 was about a broadcaster instead of the battle on the court. Whether Smith meant it the way it came out or not. The message landed poorly, and fans aren’t letting it slide. But we know Smith will be back with more awful takes.
Read More: Haliburton’s Clutch 3 Stuns Cavs at the Buzzer, Lifts Pacers to 2-0 Series Lead
