The New York Knicks have proven to be contenders in the Eastern Conference for the last several seasons. Color commentator Mike Breen recently praised the Knicks for how far they’ve come since coming from the trenches of the league in previous years.
Breen made these comments specifically to defend the Knicks after he learned some fans had been ripping the team. However, it appears that sports analyst Stephen A. Smith didn’t appreciate Breen’s opinion and called him out on television.
The NBA world shared its thoughts on Smith calling out Breen.
Why Stephen A. Smith Called Out Mike Breen’s Comments on the Knicks
In a recent episode of “First Take,” Smith went on air to call out his ESPN colleague, Breen. This was due to Breen defending the Knicks from fans’ expectations of the team. Breen simply noted New York’s improvement as a franchise and said that the team is a legitimate contender.
However, in Smith’s book, given that the Knicks haven’t won a championship in over 50 years, he thinks Breen shouldn’t call out fans for setting high expectations for the team.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Mike Breen is a Hall of Famer,” Smith said. “One of the greatest voices in the history of sports. I love this man… What he said, what you just heard on national television, is one of the most blasphemous comments that has ever come out of his mouth.”
The NBA world came to Breen’s defense and expressed its thoughts on Smith’s remarks. Here’s what some had to say on X:
KnicksMuse didn’t appreciate Smith’s comments: “Nah this is where it doesn’t become a joke anymore man. Going after MIKE BREEN is completely insane.”
Nah this is where it doesn’t become a joke anymore man.
Going after MIKE BREEN is completely insane. https://t.co/w1v9ETIcVp
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) April 6, 2026
KnicksLead believes that Smith crossed a line: “Too far. Too far.”
Too far
Too far https://t.co/SQCRaQ3TZV
— Knicks Lead (@KnicksLead) April 6, 2026
Podcast host Casey Viera noted that only Smith has ever called out Breen: “The only human on earth to ever take issue with Mike Breen.”
The only human on earth to ever take issue with Mike Breen https://t.co/obR95H6LvG
— Casey Viera (@Casey_Viera) April 6, 2026
Podcast host Jay Recher also called out sports media after Smith’s comments: “The state of sports media in one clip right here.”
The state of sports media in one clip right here https://t.co/6pHWjTylC9
— Jay Recher (@jayRecher) April 6, 2026
Knicks’ content creator ShwinnyPooh justified Breen’s comments: “Breen’s comments were pretty normal, and he clearly stated ‘the goal is to win a championship,’ so I’m unsure why any (alleged) Knicks fan would get this triggered by him crediting Leon Rose for restoring the franchise to a point where title expectations are even a legit discussion.”
Breen’s comments were pretty normal and he clearly stated “the goal is to win a championship” so I’m unsure why any (alleged) Knicks fan would get this triggered by him crediting Leon Rose for restoring the franchise to a point where title expectations are even a legit discussion https://t.co/rcVpcS8l4H
— ShwinnyPooh, Diawara playing time advocate (@shwinnypooh) April 6, 2026
The Knicks have clinched a playoff spot this year. Last season, they reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
This year, they plan to take it a step further and hopefully punch their ticket to the NBA Finals.
