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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 26: Head coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks looks on in the second half /C during their game at Spectrum Center on March 26, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

With the New York Knicks trailing the Atlanta Hawks 2-1 in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Stephen A. Smith is getting ready to call for jobs.

To no surprise, Smith sounded off on Mikal Bridges for his disappointing Game 3 performance. The front office and ownership heard it as well.

But now Stephen A. is applying pressure on the head coach, Mike Brown, as well. It might be season one for Brown in New York, but Stephen A. Smith hopes that the leash is short.

“I love Mike Brown, but I’m very unhappy right now,” Smith said amid a five-minute, uninterrupted rant. “The New York Knicks are stinking up the joint.”

GettyTARRYTOWN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 23: Head coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks speaks to the media at Knicks Training Facility on September 23, 2025 in Tarrytown, New York. 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)

On the road in the playoffs for the first time this year, the Knicks started slow in Atlanta. There was a big fourth-quarter comeback brewing, but the Knicks failed to close out on top.

The Hawks defeated the Knicks 109-108. Atlanta took a 2-1 series lead.

“Let me tell you something right now. Change is coming to New York City. There’s going to be another head coach in New York City if they lose this series,” Smith said.

“Several players are going to be gone from New York City if ya’ll lose this game. Ya’ll go ahead and lose this game! Ya’ll go ahead and lose this series, New York Knicks! A bunch of sorry asses right now. I’m so sick of what I’m seeing right now. I’m losing my damn mind. There have been six games against the Atlanta Hawks this year. Four have come down to one possession. They have all the confidence in the world right now.”

Hawks-Knicks Is Brewing An Upset

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 22: Head coach Mike Brown talks to Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on March 22, 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 Pamela Smith/Getty Images)

One statement win from the Knicks can temporarily wipe away the worry that Stephen A. Smith and many Knicks supporters currently possess.

One more loss, and the Knicks would be on the path to being on the wrong end of an upset in the first round of the playoffs.

After making it to the Eastern Conference Finals one season ago, the Knicks shocked the league by parting ways with the head coach, Tom Thibodeau. To fail to make it out of the second round after replacing him by choice would be an absolute disaster.

Friday is time for panic mode, but the Knicks can ease worries with a Game 4 win. Everybody from Mike Brown to Mikal Bridges could use it. The Knicks and the Hawks will tip off at 6 PM ET on Saturday.