All Episodes

June 23, 2025 • 66 mins

Stephen A. Smith is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Executive Producer, host of ESPN's First Take, and co-host of NBA Countdown.


🎙️ Episode Overview

🏀 NBA Finals Recap

  • Champions: Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Indiana Pacers in Game 7.
  • MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) caps off a historic season.
  • Key Points:
    • SGA joins elite company as MVP, scoring champ, and NBA champion.
    • Sam Presti praised for long-term vision and roster building.
    • Thunder’s youth and depth make them a future dynasty contender.
    • Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury was a heartbreaking turning point for the Pacers.

🏥 Injury Crisis in the NBA

  • Major stars out for next season:
    • Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles)
    • Jayson Tatum (Achilles)
    • Damian Lillard (Achilles)
    • Kyrie Irving (ACL)
  • Raises concerns about the physical toll of today’s fast-paced game.

🏀 Kevin Durant Trade

  • KD to Houston Rockets:
    • Traded for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the #10 pick, and five second-rounders.
    • Rockets now seen as serious contenders in the West.
    • Phoenix Suns looking to move on from Bradley Beal.
  • Stephen A’s Take:
    • KD still elite despite age.
    • Houston’s young core + KD = championship potential.
    • Miami missed a big opportunity by not pursuing KD harder.

🗳️ Politics Segment: U.S. Strikes Iran

  • Trump’s Announcement: U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites.
  • Stephen A’s Analysis:
    • Acknowledges Iran as a threat but questions timing and transparency.
    • Criticizes both Democrats and Republicans for political posturing.
    • Warns of potential escalation and global instability.
    • Urges honesty and accountability from both sides of the aisle.

đź’¬ Fan Q&A + Pop Culture

  • Tweets Answered:
    • Dream job? Criminal lawyer.
    • Belief in aliens? Yes—believes other life exists in the universe.
    • WWE entrance theme? “Where the Hood At” by DMX or “Ante Up” remix.
  • Wild Story: 84-year-old woman leaves $1M to a male escort—Stephen A. gives a humorous but surprisingly thoughtful take on autonomy and personal choice.


Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith


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Stephen A. Smith

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