The Stephen A. Smith Show Summary Episode: Stephen A's Take: SGA joins elite company as MVP | Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury was heartbreaking.
Release Date: June 24, 2025

1. NBA Finals Recap: Thunder Triumphs in Game Seven

Timestamp: 01:14 - 10:45

Stephen A. Smith dives into the intense conclusion of the 2024-2025 NBA Finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious over the Indiana Pacers in a gripping Game Seven held in Oklahoma City. He commends the Thunder for their exceptional season performance, boasting the best record and featuring the league's top player.

Key Highlights:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Stellar Performance: Stephen praises Shai's historic season, noting his 29 points and 12 assists in the decisive game. He states, “He’s just the fourth player in NBA history to win a regular season MVP and scoring title while becoming an NBA champion” (04:30).

• Sam Presti's Management: A significant portion is dedicated to recognizing General Manager Sam Presti's contributions. Stephen remarks, “Sam Presti deserves a boatload of credit” (06:15), highlighting his strategic acquisitions and team-building prowess since 2007.

• Team Depth and Young Talent: The Thunder's roster depth, featuring emerging stars like Jalen Williams (“J Dub”) and veterans like Alex Caruso, is lauded. Stephen emphasizes the team’s youth, noting they are the “second youngest squad in NBA history to have captured such a feat” (08:50).

2. Heartbreaking Injury: Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles Trauma

Timestamp: 10:45 - 16:30

The episode takes a somber turn as Stephen addresses the devastating injury sustained by Indiana Pacers' star, Tyrese Haliburton. During Game Seven, Haliburton suffered a severe Achilles injury, abruptly ending his impactful performance.

Key Insights:

• Impact on the Pacers: Stephen discusses how Haliburton’s injury was a pivotal moment in the game, stating, “The problem is, is that you're not playing next season with Halliburton” (14:20). This injury casts uncertainty on the Pacers' future prospects.

• Respect and Support for Haliburton: Despite not labeling him a superstar, Stephen acknowledges Haliburton's significant contributions, mentioning, “he can have superstar impact from time to time” (15:50).

• Wider Implications for the NBA: Highlighting a concerning trend, Stephen connects Haliburton’s injury to a pattern of major players facing Achilles issues, including Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard. He warns, “We're starting next NBA season 25, 26 season without those four guys. That is not good” (16:00).

3. Trade Spotlight: Kevin Durant Moves to Houston Rockets

Timestamp: 16:30 - 21:00

Stephen shifts focus to the Western Conference, announcing a major trade where Kevin Durant has been acquired by the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the draft, and five second-round picks.

Analysis and Opinions:

• Durant’s Value and Impact: Highlighting Durant’s enduring prowess, Stephen cites his impressive stats, “27 points, 50% shooting, 39% from 3-point range” (18:45), underscoring his value even at 36 years old.

• Houston Rockets' Championship Aspirations: With Durant onboard, Stephen predicts a significant boost for the Rockets, stating they are now positioned as “one of the top two seeds in the Western Conference” (19:30).

• Phoenix Suns' Trade Strategy: Critiquing the Suns for trading away Durant, Stephen questions the fairness of the deal, especially concerning Bradley Beal. He remarks, “This is not Stephen A. talking. I'm just saying to you, this is what they're saying in Phoenix about Bradley Beal” (20:15), expressing skepticism about the trade’s long-term benefits.

• Durant’s Legacy and Future: Emphasizing Durant’s legendary status, Stephen affirms, “He’s Kevin Durant. He’s that dude” (20:50), expressing confidence in Durant’s continued excellence and his positive influence on the Rockets.

4. Concerns Ahead: Injury Trends and NBA’s Future

Timestamp: 21:00 - 21:30

Concluding the main discussions, Stephen voices concerns over the increasing frequency of severe injuries among key NBA players. Drawing from recent events and Whitney's analysis, he underscores the potential long-term impact on the league's competitive landscape.

Notable Commentary:

• “Look at the injuries that we're witnessing. Look at that” (21:10).
• “This brother’s a superstar player and a champion. We want to see him” (16:20).

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith provides a comprehensive and passionate analysis of the NBA Finals, celebrating the Oklahoma City Thunder's championship win while lamenting Tyrese Haliburton's unfortunate injury. He offers insightful commentary on the significant Kevin Durant trade, projecting both its immediate and future implications for the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns. Additionally, he raises important concerns about the rising trend of major injuries in the NBA, prompting reflections on the league's sustainability and future star dynamics.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights shared by Stephen A. Smith in the episode, providing an engaging overview for listeners and readers alike.