Stephen A. Smith might know how to break down a basketball game, but fans aren’t letting him off the hook for this one. Just before the Thunder and Timberwolves tipped off in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, the ESPN star posted a video of his entrance into Paycom Center—and let’s just say, NBA Twitter didn’t hold back.
From jokes about his Hollywood swagger to straight-up roasting, Smith’s dramatic walk turned into a full-blown meme fest online.
Stephen A. Smith’s Courtside Swagger Draws Fans’ Heat
Before Chet Holmgren or Anthony Edwards could make a play, the veteran basketball analyst was already trending. In a video he shared on X, Smith is seen strutting into Paycom Center like he’s the one about to put up 30 points. The crowd around him cheered, and Smith responded with a wave that felt more “superstar” than “sports analyst.”
One fan summed up the scene with sharp sarcasm: “Acting like he boutta drop 30 10 and 5.”
Acting like he boutta drop 30 10 and 5
— Danny (@dj_hannon68)
But that was just the start. Another viewer chimed in with a diagnosis no analyst could have predicted:
“Main character syndrome.”
Main character syndrome
— ɪᴀᴍᴅʀᴇᴡꜱᴋɪ🥤 (@ValuableCoon)
Smith’s entrance comes with some extra context. He’s not just another analyst—he’s the face of ESPN’s First Take and recently inked a massive $100 million deal to stay with the network for five more years. That confidence (or bravado, depending on who you ask) shows every time he’s on camera. But lately, that confidence has drawn criticism.
“My guy really thinks he’s a STAR,” said one fan added.
My guy really thinks he's a STAR 😅
— Real-1 (@OnlyRealLeft)
In March, his on-air takes ignited a courtside feud with LeBron James during a Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks game. More recently, Knicks’ players gave him the cold shoulder after their huge playoff Game 6 win.
Jalen Brunson even told him directly, “I have nothing to say to you.” Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with a jab of his own: “You picked the wrong team.” It’s because Smith favored the Celtics over the Knicks.
Given that context, it’s no surprise fans are reading even more into Smith’s recent behavior. As one user bluntly put it, “This guy really thinks he is something.”
😂 this guy really thinks he is something
— Sam Stevens III (@ScdawgIII)
Cringe level 10/10,” wrote one, wrapping up the collective online mood with precision.
Cringe level 10/10.
— EJ (@sportsjunkie_65)
Still, Smith seems unfazed. In fact, the viral walk might have been his way of leaning into the showmanship that built his career in the first place. But fans weren’t exactly impressed.
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So while the Thunder and Timberwolves battled for the spotlight in the Western Conference Finals, Smith made sure, one way or another, the cameras stayed on him too, even if it was for all the wrong reasons.