The spotlight turned from the action on the court to off-court dynamics following the Boston Celtics’ victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. ESPN NBA analyst and former Golden State Warriors GM, Bob Myers, pointed a finger at Stephen A. Smith for allegedly contributing to team division narratives during the pre-game show on NBA Countdown before Game 2.
Bob Myers: “People used to come at Curry and Durant. They come at you in the media. They come at you in the street. But what matters is your locker room and what they can withstand… We tear teams apart more than we ever have, maybe on purpose, maybe that guy down there. I don’t know, maybe.”
Stephen A. Smith: “Not me. Not me. That’s social media, not me.”
"We tear teams apart more than we ever have, maybe on purpose, maybe that guy down there (pointing at Stephen A. Smith)." – Bob Myers
"Not me. Not me. That's social media, not me." – SAS 😬 pic.twitter.com/rb1XTouQDJ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 9, 2024
Stephen A. Smith, known for his forthright commentary, immediately refuted Myers’ insinuation. Smith’s denial underscored a significant issue in sports media: the impact of both traditional and social media on team dynamics and player perceptions.
The debate over whether Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown is the Celtics’ best player has been a recurring media theme throughout the season. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd’s remark that Brown is Boston’s MVP added fuel to the fire. Myers highlighted how such discussions could potentially divide a locker room, suggesting that media speculation can be detrimental to team unity.
Stephen A. Smith, however, distanced himself from these accusations. His response indicated a clear distinction between his role as an analyst and the pervasive influence of social media. Smith’s rebuttal also brought to light the broader issue of how media narratives can shape public perception and potentially disrupt team cohesion.
Smith has faced similar situations before. Following the Cleveland Cavaliers’ surprising road victory against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, he criticized Jayson Tatum for his underwhelming postseason performance on “First Take.” Smith’s sharp critique reflected his frustration with Tatum’s declining performance, citing it as the worst since 2019.
This incident with Myers marks the second time in a week that an ESPN colleague has called out Smith on-air. Previously, Monica McNutt questioned Smith’s support for women’s basketball on “First Take,” which Smith also took offense to. These interactions highlight the ongoing tension and scrutiny that Smith faces as a prominent media figure.
Bob Myers‘ comments before Game 2 of the NBA Finals brought attention to the delicate balance between media coverage and team dynamics. While Stephen A. Smith deflected blame onto social media, the incident underscores the significant impact of media narratives on the NBA and its players.
As the Finals continue, the focus will inevitably return to the court, but the conversation around media influence on sports will persist.
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