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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 15: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
The ongoing back-and-forth between New York Knicks<\/a> guard Josh Hart and ESPN\u2019s Stephen A. Smith has taken another hilarious turn. This time, Hart had just four words in response to a wild comment Smith made about San Antonio Spurs<\/a> star Victor Wembanyama.<\/p>\n Stephen A. Smith was breaking down Wembanyama\u2019s physical vulnerabilities when he said something that stopped everyone in their tracks.<\/p>\n \u201cThe one thing lacking on him is that beef, that meat right there. You understand? This is not Shaquille O\u2019Neal.\u201d<\/p>\n Smith was attempting to make a legitimate point about Wembanyama\u2019s slim frame and physical vulnerability when absorbing contact, but the delivery was something else entirely.<\/p>\n Josh Hart, never one to let a moment pass, went straight to X and posted<\/a>: \u201cI beg your pardon???\u201d<\/p>\n Fans are equally responding with hilarious reactions in the comment sections.<\/p>\n Hart-Smith Rivalry That Keeps Giving<\/p>\n This is far from the first time Hart and Smith have exchanged shots<\/a>. Last month, Smith repeatedly criticized Mikal Bridges\u2019 declining production on First Take, saying, \u201cI need Josh Hart to be quiet. Sit down. Only time I want you standing up and talking is if you\u2019re playing.\u201d<\/p>\n Hart fired back without hesitation, calling Smith out publicly. \u201cFor me, I think Stephen A., as a part-time Knicks fan, needs to shut the hell up. He barely knows guys that are on the team,\u201d Hart said, via Newsday\u2019s Steve Popper.<\/p>\n \u201cFor me, I think Stephen A., as a part-time Knicks fan, needs to shut the hell up. He barely knows guys that are on the team.\u201d \u2014 Josh Hart on Stephen A. Smith\u2019s comments about him (and Mikal Bridges).<\/p>\n Smith then delivered a 15-minute video response<\/a>, doubling down: \u201cYou don\u2019t know who talks to me. You don\u2019t even know how close I am to the people that cut your checks, Josh Hart.\u201d Smith even took one final shot after a Knicks losing skid, telling Hart on air, \u201cYou haven\u2019t won a game since you clapped back at me.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite the fiery exchanges<\/a>, Smith made clear it was never personal: \u201cI love Josh Hart. He is the Energizer Bunny for the Knicks. He makes them better in every way,\u201d but that has never stopped either man from going at it publicly.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tJayesh Pagar<\/a> Jayesh Pagar is a writer at Heavy Sports, covering the New York Knicks and other NBA teams. He brings four years of experience across digital sports media, including NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football. He covered as the Knicks beat writer for ONSI and has written for PFSN, Sporting News, and ClutchPoints. More about Jayesh Pagar<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t0 Comments\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Knicks\n\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n The ongoing back-and-forth between New York Knicks guard Josh Hart and ESPN\u2019s Stephen A. Smith has taken another hilarious turn. This time, Hart had just four words in response to a wild comment Smith made about San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.Stephen A. Smith was breaking down Wembanyama\u2019s physical vulnerabilities when he said something that [\u2026]<\/p>\n