Stephen A. Smith has long been a divisive figure among NBA fans, with his outspoken style often drawing strong reactions.
That reputation was evident last weekend when he was booed during an appearance at WrestleMania 42.
Against that backdrop, any mistake becomes amplified. That proved to be the case on Monday, when Smith made an incorrect claim while discussing the Golden State Warriors.
While appearing on the ESPN First Take show, Smith criticised the Warriors’ recent trajectory as they were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the play-in this season.
In that context, he suggested Steve Kerr’s side had not returned to the playoffs since their 2022 championship run.
He said: “There’s a four-time champion who has been on NBA Finals in six years. Now, they haven’t been back to the playoffs since that championship in 2022. That’s four years away from the playoffs.”
The statement is incorrect. Golden State did reach the playoffs after their title-winning campaign, including a run last season, when they defeated the Houston Rockets in the first round in a 4-3 series before falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in the conference semi-finals.
The error quickly drew attention, especially given Smith’s high-profile platform and his role as a leading analyst covering the league.
The reaction online was immediate, with fans taking to X to call out the mistake and question Smith’s credibility.
One user wrote: “The media has taken a giant step back in their articulation of ‘analysis’ and have leaned heavily on high level sentimental narratives which don’t make sense. They need to be held accountable to their craft like players are everyday.”
Another added: “Loud and completely wrong is the only brand Stephen A knows how to sell anymore. Absolute clown behaviour.”
“Warriors were in the second round in 23 and 25. Stephen A. [is] too busy at WrestleMania,” a third person stated.
Others were equally direct, with one post stating: “It’s really sad that the world wide leader in sports lets a guy like Stephen A. Smith parade around like he’s something special. Guy doesn’t even watch basketball.”
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