ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith has asserted that a dental appointment was the sole reason for his absence from Tuesday's edition of First Take, following criticism he faced for skipping the show in the aftermath of the New York Knicks' playoff defeat. The Knicks suffered a dramatic collapse in their Game 2 matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, squandering a 14-point third-quarter lead to tie the series at 1-1.
Fan Backlash Over Mysterious Absence
Smith, a long-serving and vocal Knicks fan, was conspicuously missing from the morning sports debate program the day after the loss, leading to immediate accusations that he was avoiding the show due to his team's stunning meltdown. However, he took to social media platform X later to explain his situation, writing in an emotional post: 'This is truly a sad day for me. Bad enough I had to miss @FirstTake because of this damn dental procedure, but to miss the show when BOTH my boys — @KendrickPerkins AND @RealMikeWilbon — are IN-STUDIO… on a day I was scheduled to be IN-STUDIO… I almost cried!'
He added, 'Love my boys. You, too, @shaepeppler. Damn this sucks. See y’all tomorrow!' Despite his explanation, many fans remained unconvinced, with one replying sarcastically, 'You ain't slick the Knicks lost', and another mocking, 'Straight duckin! Talkin about ‘dEnTiSt ApPoInTmEnT''. A third fan commented, 'Oh right, so convenient all of a sudden the day after the knicks horrific loss sas happens to have a “dental procedure”, u aint foolin nobody', highlighting widespread skepticism over the timing.
Celebrity Spectacle at Madison Square Garden
Meanwhile, the Game 2 showdown at Madison Square Garden attracted a host of high-profile celebrities, adding to the event's glamour. Hollywood star Timothee Chalamet, another enigmatic Knicks fan, was spotted animatedly cheering on the team while sporting a blue-and-orange vintage Knicks Adidas jacket. The A-lister was frequently seen rising to his feet to applaud players and shout words of encouragement, showcasing his dedication as a renowned New York sports enthusiast.
Notable Absences and Appearances
Unlike during the 2025 playoffs, Chalamet attended without girlfriend Kylie Jenner, who had previously joined him for courtside date nights. Instead, the actor was seated near fellow notorious Knicks fan Ben Stiller, with the pair captured sharing laughs and conversations throughout the game. Both Chalamet and Stiller have often been front and center in the celebrity seats at Madison Square Garden, with Chalamet notably winning tickets in a social media contest back in 2010.
Adding to the star-studded lineup, Olympic gold medalist gymnast Suni Lee was also snapped cheering from celebrity row, keeping her look casual in a white tank top and blue jeans, accessorized with a diamante Olympic rings pendant. This blend of sports drama and celebrity presence underscored the high stakes and public interest surrounding the Knicks' playoff run, even as Smith's absence sparked debate among fans and followers.
