BIG FAN
‘Y’all went to same designer?’ gasps Stephen A. Smith as Molly Qerim’s replacement shines in ‘lovely’ First Take outfit
Stephen A. then made a bold prediction for the Knicks' championship pursuit
STEPHEN A. Smith was a happy man the morning after the New York Knicks booked a spot in the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
The Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 118-115 in Game 6 of their postseason series on Thursday night.
2
2
And Smith, 56, oozed exuberance on Friday's First Take, spreading good vibes and positivity around.
After host Christine Williamson, who filled in for Molly Qerim, welcomed the viewers, he immediately paid her and Chiney Ogwumike a compliment.
Stephen A. said he was a fan of their colorful matching outfits.
"May I say, I don't know if y'all went to the same tailor, the same designer? the ESPN star said.
READ MORE ON THE NBA
"Similar outfit there, but both of y'all are looking marvelous and absolutely lovely this morning."
Smith then said he couldn't wait to get the show started on that "beautiful" morning.
"I'm looking forward to spending the day with you," he said.
"I'm looking forward to spending the day with my man, Big Perk.
Most read in Sport
"All I want to say is this: I love everybody! Everybody!
"It's a beautiful, beautiful day. What a beautiful day.
'I love everybody!' yells Stephen A. Smith as delirious First Take star makes bold Knicks prediction after 76ers win
"New York stand up! New York stand up."
Jalen Brunson scored 41 points to help the Knicks close out the first-round playoff series with the Sixers.
New York will face the Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals, who beat the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.
Stephen A. appeared convinced that Brunson and Co. would overcome the Pacers to set up a conference finals battle against the Boston Celtics.
Molly Qerim's life in the spotlight
MOLLY Qerim has risen through the ranks to become on the faces of ESPN.
The popular sports host began her media career in 2006 with ESPN and spent four years with the network.
She then covered college basketball and football for CBS Sports Network in New York.
And Qerim balance that with hosting duties for NFL Network in Los Angeles - fronting NFLAM and NFL Fantasy Live.
The host returned to ESPN in 2015 and immediately took the role of First Take anchor.
And Qerim has been an ever-present, popular host of the daily sports debate show ever since.
The First Take star said he considered the Knicks as "legit" contenders for the 2024 NBA Finals.
But that's not to say I'm giving the edge over the Boston Celtics," Smith added.
"I mean, I would need to get drug tested if I said that.
"But last time I checked [Celtics center] Porzingis wasn't healthy, that compromises Boston to some degree."
Read More on The US Sun
The Celtics are yet to learn their second-round rival with the Cleveland Cavaliers-Orlando Magic series still underway.
The Cavaliers headed to Friday's Game 6 with a 3-2 lead.