Detailed Summary of "The Stephen A. Smith Show" Featuring Jerry Ferrara

Release Date: October 25, 2024

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith engages in an insightful and spirited conversation with Jerry Ferrara, best known for his role as Turtle on the hit series Entourage and as a passionate New York sports fan. The discussion spans a wide range of topics, including recent NBA games, team dynamics, sports predictions, and personal insights into their respective ventures.

1. Introduction of Jerry Ferrara and New Podcast Collaboration [03:10 - 15:57]

Jerry Ferrara joins Stephen A. Smith to discuss his dual passions: acting and sports. He introduces his new podcast, "Throwbacks", co-hosted with Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinert. Ferrara emphasizes the importance of building friendships and connections, sharing how this podcast allows him to foster new relationships in his busy life.

"As I've gotten older, it's a little harder to make friends, right? Just not because I can't. It's just you got kids and stuff, right?"
— Jerry Ferrara [15:03]

Ferrara and Smith also touch upon their mutual respect and appreciation for each other's work, highlighting the supportive nature of their relationship.

"You always so humble and gracious, having me on anytime I wanted to come on, and it's still one of the coolest things I've ever done."
— Jerry Ferrara [15:45]

2. Knicks vs. Celtics Game Analysis [03:36 - 10:56]

The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into the recent game where the New York Knicks faced a significant loss to the Boston Celtics. Both hosts express their disappointment but also identify areas for improvement.

Stephen A. Smith reflects on the Knicks' performance and the need to move past a tough loss:

"Look, I felt pretty bad and I expect to be turning the game off relatively by the third quarter... but I can't allow myself to say the Knicks are screwed because of that one game."
— Stephen A. Smith [03:48]

Jerry Ferrara critiques specific player performances, highlighting concerns about Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges:

"Cat Carl Anthony Towns... when you think about him, 6:10, 6:11 and the way he defended against Jokic in the playoffs last year, there was a lot to compliment against Boston... Mikal Bridges... he changed his shot and it's made things worse now."
— Jerry Ferrara [04:25]

The discussion delves into the Knicks' team identity, emphasizing last year's grit and defensive toughness, and the implications of missing key players like Mitchell Robinson.

"The identity that the Knicks had last year. The grit, the defensive toughness and the rebounding... that's gone."
— Stephen A. Smith [05:23]

Both hosts acknowledge the potential higher ceiling of the current team despite the recent setbacks, with Smith noting the impact of new trades and the necessity for adjustments in both defense and offensive rebounding.

3. Broader NBA Team Dynamics and Playoff Predictions [06:13 - 12:05]

Transitioning from the Knicks-Celtics game, Smith and Ferrara broaden the conversation to include other NBA powerhouses like the Milwaukee Bucks and discussions on player health affecting team performance.

Ferrara posits that the Celtics will likely repeat as champions, barring any unforeseen events:

"The New York Knicks have no excuse to lose to anyone but Boston in the Eastern Conference. That's my belief."
— Jerry Ferrara [08:56]

Smith introduces the Milwaukee Bucks as a formidable force, citing Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential impact if he remains healthy:

"Giannis by himself could wreck any team in the right circumstance with health."
— Stephen A. Smith [09:30]

The hosts debate the strengths and weaknesses of teams like the Denver Nuggets and ponder hypothetical scenarios impacting playoff outcomes.

4. New York Liberty’s Championship Victory [12:05 - 13:14]

Shifting focus to women’s basketball, Smith shares his enthusiasm for the New York Liberty’s championship win, celebrating the achievement and its significance for the city.

"I am so happy that we have a championship finally in women's basketball with the Liberty. We needed that one."
— Stephen A. Smith [12:24]

Ferrara echoes this sentiment, expressing his support for any championship that brings glory to New York.

"We so starving for a championship in the city. I was just happy to have it."
— Jerry Ferrara [12:58]

5. New York Yankees’ World Series Prospects [13:14 - 16:35]

The discussion transitions to baseball, where Smith predicts a thrilling World Series between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I think it's Yankees in seven. I gotta stick with my Yankees. That is gonna be a heavyweight slugfest."
— Stephen A. Smith [13:14]

Ferrara concurs with Smith’s optimism for the Yankees while expressing skepticism about the Giants and Jets securing championships in the near future.

"You've given up on a Super Bowl championship, coming to New York for the foreseeable future with the Giants and Jets."
— Jerry Ferrara [13:46]

6. Insights into Stephen A. Smith’s New Podcast [15:57 - 19:51]

In the concluding segment, Ferrara inquires about Smith’s new podcast, "The Name Energy Line with Nate and jsb", co-hosted with former NHL player Nate Thompson. Smith elaborates on the podcast's focus on hockey life and its open format, allowing for diverse topics and guest appearances.

"We just talked today about movies that had to pull the plug, similarly to how teams might have to pull the plug on their season... it's like a movie falling apart, which does happen in Hollywood."
— Stephen A. Smith [15:57]

Ferrara praises the podcast and anticipates engaging content, highlighting the synergy between their sports backgrounds and shared interests.

"You're always welcome on any show I'm on. ... Can't wait to listen to it myself."
— Jerry Ferrara [16:19]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stephen A. Smith [03:48]:

  "I felt pretty bad and I expect to be turning the game off relatively by the third quarter... but I can't allow myself to say the Knicks are screwed because of that one game."

• Jerry Ferrara [04:25]:

  "Cat Carl Anthony Towns... Mikal Bridges... he changed his shot and it's made things worse now."

• Stephen A. Smith [05:23]:

  "The identity that the Knicks had last year. The grit, the defensive toughness and the rebounding... that's gone."

• Jerry Ferrara [08:56]:

  "The New York Knicks have no excuse to lose to anyone but Boston in the Eastern Conference. That's my belief."

• Stephen A. Smith [09:30]:

  "Giannis by himself could wreck any team in the right circumstance with health."

• Stephen A. Smith [12:24]:

  "I am so happy that we have a championship finally in women's basketball with the Liberty. We needed that one."

• Stephen A. Smith [13:14]:

  "I think it's Yankees in seven. I gotta stick with my Yankees. That is gonna be a heavyweight slugfest."

• Stephen A. Smith [15:57]:

  "We just talked today about movies that had to pull the plug, similarly to how teams might have to pull the plug on their season... it's like a movie falling apart, which does happen in Hollywood."

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a comprehensive and engaging discussion on current sports events, team dynamics, and personal projects of the hosts. Stephen A. Smith and Jerry Ferrara provide valuable insights into the NBA landscape, celebrate New York’s recent sporting successes, and share exciting news about upcoming podcasts. Their candid conversation, peppered with memorable quotes and thoughtful analysis, makes this episode a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and fans of both hosts.